In a significant move to bolster their secondary, the Miami Dolphins have acquired the services of experienced safety Marcus Maye, as reported by Jordan Schultz from Bleacher Report. This addition aims to solidify a position that has seen considerable flux for the Dolphins.
Marcus Maye, now 31, carved out the initial stretch of his professional career with the New York Jets, who selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over five seasons with the Jets, Maye proved to be a stalwart in the starting lineup, featuring in 60 games. His journey with the Jets paved the way for a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2022, where he inked a lucrative three-year contract worth $28.5 million.
Maye’s tenure with the Saints, however, was short-lived. After starting 17 games for the Saints, his time with the team was marred by a shoulder injury that landed him on the injured reserve to close out 2023. Moreover, earlier in the year, Maye faced a three-game suspension stemming from a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, further complicating his season.
The Miami Dolphins, on a quest to shore up their safety positions, have seen Jevon Holland emerge as a promising talent. However, finding a consistent partner for him in the secondary has been challenging. The team brought in DeShon Elliott on a one-year deal in 2023, and ahead of the 2024 season, signed Jordan Poyer, signaling a strong intent to reinforce their defensive backfield.
With the acquisition of Marcus Maye, the Dolphins not only gain an experienced player but also add depth to their safety roster, which includes the seasoned special teams player Elijah Campbell and the newly drafted Patrick McMorris, a sixth-round pick. Maye, Campbell, and McMorris are expected to engage in a healthy competition for playing time, complementing the skills of Holland and Poyer in the Dolphins’ pursuit of defensive excellence.