Former New Orleans Saint Marcus Maye is one of the best free agent safeties remaining on the open market. Released in a cap-saving transaction, the seven-year veteran went overlooked in a crowded market. With multiple high-level players earning massive paydays, Maye had to sit back and watch as guys like Xavier McKinney, Antoine Winfield, and Kyle Dugger signed life-changing contracts.
Chances are, Marcus Maye won’t sign as a free agent until Justin Simmons finds a new home. The former Bronco is clearly the best safety available, and any team looking for an upgrade at the position has him atop their wish list. However, once he signs, the rest of the market could quickly follow suit. Given their cap situations and overall roster build, the Ravens and Chiefs could make sense as potential suitors.
Chiefs, Ravens, Top Suitors For Free Agent Marcus Maye
Marcus Maye will not break the bank as a free agent, which makes him the perfect fit for a team on a budget. The Kansas City Chiefs have a decent amount of cap space, but they need to set some aside for more prominent positions. Depending on the severity of Rashee Rice’s inevitable suspension, the team could have to invest in another wide receiver. Additionally, it wouldn’t hurt to add a big-name cornerback like Stephon Gilmore or some competition for the left tackle job.
Justin Reid and Bryan Cook are fine safeties, but the team could use some more depth, especially with L’Jarius Sneed gone. Kansas City had the best cornerback duo in football last year, which means the safeties didn’t have to assist in coverage too frequently. That won’t be the case this year, and a free agent like Marcus Maye could ease the burden on a relatively inexperienced starter like Joshua Williams.
The Ravens, meanwhile, are actively looking for another safety. While Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams are both above-average starters, Baltimore uses more three-safety looks than any other team in the league. With Geno Stone now in Cincinnati, the Ravens recently brought in Jamal Adams for a free agent visit. However, he left without a contract, and Marcus Maye could be a better fit as a free agent.
At this point in his career, Adams is nothing more than a glorified linebacker. Marcus Maye might not be a superstar, but the free agent is decent in both coverage and against the run, making him an ideal third safety who can step into either starting role at a moment’s notice. Armed with just under $6 million in cap space, Maye is a solid low-cost replacement for Stone.
Possible Saints Reunion?
Of course, there is a chance that New Orleans brings Marcus Maye back as a free agent. The team couldn’t afford him on his previous salary, but he’d be a good add on a league-minimum deal. Tyrann Mathieu is still a solid player, but he cannot simultaneously play both safety positions. With no clear answer at free safety, Maye could slide back into his old role and try to help power this team to their first playoff appearance since the Drew Brees Era.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
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