METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans SaintsA three-year, $28.5 Million contract was agreed upon by former New York JetsSafety Marcus MayeTuesday night, after long-standing safety free access Marcus WilliamsThe Baltimore RavensAn earlier part of the day, a source confirmed that to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Fowler was told by a source that the deal included $15 million in guarantees.
The Saints also extended their contract with veteran cornerback. Bradley RobyA source said that he was about to enter the final year of his contract, having been traded by New Orleans for a third round draft choice. The NFL Network first reported both deals.
Maye, who was 29 years old on March 9, 2017, was drafted in Round 2 of 2017 — three picks more than Williams — and has been a regular starter for the Jets since. He injured his Achilles in November last year while under the franchise tag. Although his rehab appears to be proceeding well, it is unclear if he will be available for training camp.
Maye also faces a suspension from the league due to a DUI arrest in South Florida last February. This information was not made public until an ESPN report in October. The Jets were shocked by the news. Maye did not mention it to them which is against league policy. The matter remains pending at the Broward County Court system.
Maye should, if he is healthy, be the safety in the Saints defense. This defense has evolved into one the NFL’s most formidable under the guidance of Dennis Allen. Marshon LattimoreWilliams in 2017.
Because of their salary cap constraints, the Saints allowed Williams to test out the market. Williams ended up signing a 5-year, $70m deal with Baltimore, which included $37 million guaranteed, according to a source. The Saints started the offseason with a cap of $75 million. They were able to reach the cap without having to cut any players. The majority of their work was done by restructuring contracts to increase cap costs in future years.
They are still a top contender for land Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun WatsonA blockbuster transaction would require further cap wrangling.
Maye, 6-foot and 207 pounds, rejected a Jets long-term contract proposal last year. It reportedly contained $20 million in guarantees. Maye also signed a $10.6 million franchise tender. Negotiations turned bitter when Maye’s agent criticised the Jets’ tactics via Twitter.
Maye was frustrated that no long-term deal was made. He hinted in training camp that it might be possible to trade but it never happened. After sustaining a torn Achilles tendon in a Nov. 4, game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Maye lost his leverage. Indianapolis ColtsHe underwent season-ending surgery.
Maye also missed three games because of an ankle injury. It was a loss season. He only managed six games and did not record any interceptions or sacks.
His best season was 2020. He started every game and made two interceptions. He also set career records for passes defensed (11) and sacks (22). Natural free safety, he displayed his versatility by spending more time in the box than ever before. His teammates voted him the Jets’ MVP that season.
Maye, a Florida native, quickly made a name for himself with the Jets, as a reliable, if perhaps not extraordinary, defender. He’s not a ballhawk, with just six interceptions in his 60 career games.
Roby turned 30 in May and still had $10 million and one year remaining on his contract. He was part-time with the Saints in 2012, behind rookie starters. There was speculation that Roby could be a cap casualty. Paulson Adebo. The Saints were determined to keep him. An extension will allow them lower his cap figure for 2022.
Roby (5-11-194, 194), was a first-round draft selection of the Denver BroncosIn 2014, he started 50 career games for the Broncos and Texans, recording 11 interceptions, 80 pass defenses and one touchdown.
This report was contributed by Rich Cimini, ESPN.