NY Jets: Marcus Maye concerned with winning, not his contract

The NY Jets were never able to come to terms on a long-term extension with star safety Marcus Maye this offseason. Despite ongoing negotiations, Maye is set to play the 2021 season on the franchise tag.

That's something that Maye, and especially his agency, have quietly expressed their displeasure with this offseason. It doesn't take a sleuth to figure out that Maye is not happy with how events transpired over the last few months.

But despite this, Maye insists that he isn't concerned with his contract now that the season is about to start. His mind is only focused on one thing.

Winning. Maye is focused on winning above all else.

Marcus Maye is not concerned about his contract situation with the NY Jets

Maye spoke to reporters last week and he insisted that any and all drama that surrounded his contract situation in the offseason is in the past.

"Once that was over with, I just put it to the side and got back to the basics of playing football. Once I get on the grass I never worry about anything else."

- Marcus Maye

Maye will be looking to carry over the momentum from what was a career year in 2020. The 28-year-old finished with an 82.9 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked fifth among all safeties in the NFL.

Following the trade of Jamal Adams, Maye stepped up as the de facto leader of the Jets' defense and he more than filled the shoes of his departed teammate.

Maye is an unquestioned locker room leader and one of the team's best overall players. But the Jets showed very little urgency to extend him this offseason reportedly offering him a low-ball offer far below market value.

For that reason, many believe that it's unlikely the Jets ultimately do decide to extend Maye at any point in the future. But again, Maye insists that he isn't worried about the future.

He's worried about right now. He's focused on winning — something he hasn't done much of in his four years with the Jets.

Maye's contract situation will once again become a talking point in the not-too-distant future. But for now, both sides agree that football is the most important thing to focus on.