With the trade deadline right around the corner, the New York Jets might have some decisions to make. The biggest of those revolves around Marcus Maye, who returns to action this week after missing a couple of weeks with an injury. Not only was Maye injured, however, but he also now finds himself in possible legal trouble. With all of these factors lining up, here are possible trade destinations for Marcus Maye.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of a safety, especially after young sensation Julian Blackmon went down with a season-ending Achilles injury. Outside of Blackmon, the Colts employ only two notable safeties, including Khari Willis and Andrew Sendejo. With lots of cap space, the Colts would have the ability to trade for Maye and possibly re-sign him.
Even before Blackmon went down with this injury, the Colts have been getting gashed in the passing game, allowing 255 yards per game through the air. They need all the help they can get, and it may only cost them a 2021 2nd round pick. Maye would be an instant upgrade, and he and Blackmon would be an incredible duo of safeties.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently 3-3, and many people are questioning how they got to this point. Well, the defense is simply terrible. They are at or near the bottom of the NFL in virtually every single defensive category statistically, and a lot of that is solely to do with Daniel Sorensen. Sorensen has been the definition of a liability, and Maye would be an incredible upgrade for a Chiefs defense desperate for one.
The Chiefs are however a bit strapped for cash, and they likely wouldn’t be able to sign him to the kind of deal he would like, unless they dumped someone like Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Duvernay-Tardif is someone who would also immediately start on the Jets offensive line, a sizable upgrade over Greg Van Roten. This trade would be a win-win for both teams, as each greatly improves an area of need. The only issue? Duvernay-Tardif has a no-trade clause, meaning he could simply reject the move.
Outside of Duvernay-Tardif, the Chiefs own their first four picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, meaning the Jets could ask for any combination of those instead. A starting quality offensive lineman would surely be the best outcome from a trade, but draft picks are always welcome as well.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are enjoying a bit of a defensive resurgence this year, thanks to breakout superstar Trevon Diggs and rookie sensation Micah Parsons. However, the weak link in the Cowboys defense has to be safety. This team is young and hungry, and they may only be a couple of pieces away from being serious contenders.
The offense is elite, thanks to Dak Prescott, the best offensive line in the NFL, an elite trio of wide receivers, and Zeke Elliot, and the defense is slowly catching up. The addition of Maye would greatly benefit them as well. Damontae Kazee and Donovan Wilson have been serviceable, but Maye would be a great player in the deep part of the field.
The Cowboys don’t have much to offer back, other than draft picks. They have two fourth round draft picks, and a pick in every other round except for Round 7. Either way, fans will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if the Jets do end up trading him.
At the end of the day, who knows if the Jets will end up trading Maye. If his recent press availability is any indication, it seems as though he wants to stay in New York., but Joe Douglas may have other ideas. These have been a couple of trade destinations for Marcus Maye.