The 2021 NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and Marcus Maye has long been a subject of speculation in that regard. The Jets safety failed to strike a long-term deal with New York this offseason, opening the season under the franchise tag. Then ESPN reported he preferred to be traded to a contender ahead of the Nov. 2 deadline. But now, at least publicly, Maye insists he doesn't want to go anywhere, telling reporters Thursday he never requested a move and is "100 percent in" on staying with the Jets.
The fact Maye hasn't requested a trade -- and is presently committed to playing in New York -- doesn't necessarily mean he wouldn't welcome a change of scenery, of course. All signs point to the defensive back still garnering looks ahead of the deadline, just a year after his fellow safety, Jamal Adams, was dealt by the Jets in the wake of failed contract talks. But he's at least saying the right things in the event he sticks around for the remainder of 2021.
Maye, 28, is set to return to the field this week after missing two games with an ankle injury. The 2017 second-round pick is slated to make $10.6 million on the tag through the end of this year, one season after logging a career-high 88 tackles.
It's unclear what the Jets might get in return for Maye if they shopped the veteran -- a midround pick might be the maximum, considering he'll be 29 in 2022, hit free agency after this year and doesn't boast the All-Pro resume of Adams. But several contenders with injury issues in the secondary -- think the Buccaneers and Chiefs -- could make sense as potential landing spots.
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