Marcus Maye's agent not happy with lack of new deal from Jets

Despite Marcus Maye’s agent tweeting that the Jets "refuse to take care" of his client, general manager Joe Douglas said the plan remains to sign Maye to a long-term deal.

"We have had productive conversations with his representatives," Douglas said. "We’re in the process of working to have Marcus be here long term."

Douglas said similar things about Jamal Adams last year, but that didn’t work out. The Jets traded Adams to Seattle over the summer.

The Jets have begun clearing cap space for free agency. They released defensive end Henry Anderson on Tuesday night, saving $8.2 million and giving them more than $75 million to spend.

Following that move, ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted that they have the resources to sign or acquire any player. Erik Burkhardt replied to that tweet, criticizing the Jets for not spending to re-sign Maye, who is set to become a free agent.

"Yet refuse to take care of their best player, Captain, & team-voted MVP in his prime who had several All-Pro votes," Burkhardt tweeted, "...and who played out his entire rookie deal and even changed positions on his contract year [after they got rid of last yrs All-Pro safety]."

Burkhardt ended his tweet with a Peace sign emoji.

Douglas said he was told about the tweet, but he remains confident they will get a deal done.

"I have a lot of respect for Erik. I think he’s a great person," Douglas said. "I’ve had a lot of great conversations with him. You know how I feel about Marcus. This is a part of the business. This is part of negotiating. But I don’t see this affecting our ability to get something done with Marcus that’s beneficial for both him and the team."

Maye is coming off the best season of his four-year career, playing a larger role after Adams was dealt. Maye played all over the field, and made plays in coverage as well as on the line. He also established himself as a leader, and a respected voice in the locker room.

If the two sides can’t come to an agreement, the Jets could put the franchise tag on Maye. It’s projected to be around $11.2 million. If Maye is tagged, the two sides have until July 15 to work out a long-term contract.

Douglas said he would be talking to the representatives of Jets’ free agents this week. More cuts are expected, but he would like to get something done with Maye.

"Our stance on Marcus hasn’t changed," Douglas said. "Marcus is a valuable member of this organization. Someone that’s started his career here, who’s been a pro’s pro, smart. He’s been reliable and he’s provided outstanding leadership. Our plan hasn’t changed."

Mosley’s return

Linebacker C.J. Mosley, who opted out last season due to concerns over coronavirus, was back at the Jets’ facility recently and met with new coach Robert Saleh. The Jets hope Mosley, a former Pro Bowl player, can return to his old form.

"My expectation is no different than for any other player that’s here," Saleh said. "For C.J. that’s continue to be the pro that he’s been since the day he was drafted and the leader that he’s been and find ways to get better every single day. C.J. definitely has that mindset."