Former NY Jets star signs last-chance deal with division rival

One of the most underrated decisions made by NY Jets general manager Joe Douglas during his tenure with the organization was his decision not to extend former standout safety Marcus Maye.

Maye's career has spiraled following his departure from the Jets as injuries and off-field issues plagued his stint with the New Orleans Saints after leaving Florham Park. Now, Maye is looking for one final opportunity to revitalize his career.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Monday that the Miami Dolphins had signed Maye ahead of mandatory minicamp this week. Maye reportedly garnered interest from multiple teams before choosing to sign with the Dolphins.

After missing the majority of the last three seasons due to various injuries and a suspension, Maye is hoping to turn his career around, this time as an expected backup in Miami.

Marcus Maye could be looking for revenge against the NY Jets

Originally a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Maye developed into a rock-solid safety for the Jets, breaking out of the shadow of his former position-mate, Jamal Adams. There was a time when Maye was genuinely one of the better safeties in the NFL.

Douglas saw the writing on the wall, however, and opted against extending Maye long-term. The Jets placed the franchise tag on Maye ahead of the 2021 season, only for the former Florida standout to suffer a torn Achilles after just six games.

That proved to be the start of Maye's downfall. He signed a three-year, $28.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints the following offseason, but injuries and off-field issues derailed his time in the Big Easy.

Maye appeared in just 17 games over two years with the Saints, missing time due to a suspension and various injuries. His on-field performance suffered as well, as he finished with a career-worst 57.6 Pro Football Focus grade in 2023.

That's why it came as little surprise that Maye went overlooked in free agency this offseason. This stint with the Dolphins might be his final opportunity to continue his NFL career.

Maye joins a safety room featuring the likes of Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer where he will likely enter this summer competing for a roster spot. There is a genuine path to playing time if Maye can stay healthy and impress this summer.

Of course, Jets fans shouldn't be concerned about facing the Marcus Maye of old in Miami. This is a 31-year-old Maye whose best days are very clearly behind him. He will, at best, be the Dolphins' third safety.

The Jets cut bait with Maye at the perfect time a few years ago. Now, he's preparing for possible revenge games against his former team.