Why the NY Jets can't afford to lose safety Marcus Maye

Retaining talented veterans is good for the NY Jets' culture

NFL executives, coaches, players, and fans alike talk a lot about culture. That's because it is an extremely important aspect of any football team.

The best teams have winning cultures that allow for good players to flourish and attract free agents and the like to join the team.

Bad teams have toxic cultures that can ruin a player's potential and deter any player from wanting to sign.

Culture is absolutely crucial.

Don't believe me? Carl Lawson and Sheldon Rankins, two of the team's three biggest signings this past offseason, cited Robert Saleh and the culture he brings as the main driver behind their decision to sign.

What does keeping Maye have to do with culture? Letting go of your best defensive back, your longest-tenured player, and a player who has never shown attitude concerns, would damage the winning culture Saleh is trying to build.

Saleh wants winners who play hard. That is what Maye has done during his entire career, and now he wants to be paid like the great safety he is. Letting him walk proves that this notion of "culture" is predicated on money rather than wins.

Of course, Douglas should not just hand Maye a blank check. But he certainly should try to meet Maye halfway in contract negotiations.

Personally, I think Douglas should look to extend him with an AAV of around $11-12 million, not offering anything higher than $13 million.

Conclusion

Marcus Maye deserves a second contract with this team. He's the backbone of a defensive backfield that is devoid of talent elsewhere.

Not retaining him would prove damaging to a budding culture that should be based on wins rather than dollars.

Ultimately, Maye might just be a safety, but letting him go could prove to be a major mistake and blemish on Douglas' track record.