NY Jets news: Time is running out for a Marcus Maye extension

Marcus Maye will be playing for the NY Jets in 2021, that much is already a given. But his future beyond this season remains very much in doubt.

The Jets couldn't agree to terms on a long-term extension with Maye this offseason so they slapped him with the franchise tag in early March. They did so with the understanding that the two sides would re-visit extension talks following the 2021 NFL Draft.

However, time is running out for the two sides to reach an agreement. If Maye is not extended before July 15th, he will be forced to play the 2021 season under the franchise tag.

That also means that he'll once again be slated to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

The NY Jets are running out of time to extend Marcus Maye.

The Jets have insisted all offseason that extending Maye remained a priority for the team.

Back in May, general manager Joe Douglas expressed a desire to get a deal done with Maye now that the draft had passed.

"“It’s still a priority to keep Marcus [Maye] here long-term. We have had productive texts back and forth with his agent. We’re hoping to really dive into this now that the draft’s over.”"

- Joe Douglas

That was said on May 1st shortly following the conclusion of the draft. Over two months later, and there have been very few updates on Maye's current situation.

The 28-year-old was one of a few Jets players who didn't attend voluntary OTAs this spring, although he did show up for mandatory minicamp.

Maye's contract could be the first major extension that Joe Douglas has worked out during his time with the Jets. Of course, a Jamal Adams extension never came to be as the All-Pro safety was traded last July.

Maye is coming off a career year in which he finished with an elite Pro Football Focus grade of 82.9 that ranked him as the fifth-best safety in football. He even earned three All-Pro votes at the end of the season.

While still not a household name, Maye has developed into one of the most important players on the Jets roster — both on and off the field. He's the team's longest-tenured player and an integral locker room leader.

The Jets have five days to agree on an extension with Marcus Maye. If not, the chances that he's playing for a new team in 2022 rise exponentially.