Miami Dolphins bolster secondary with signing of safety Marcus Maye as 2024 free agent

Safety Marcus Maye, entering his eighth year in the NFL, is looking to win a Super Bowl championship. With that goal in mind, he is looking to sign with a contender for the 2024 season – and, according to Jordan Schultz, that contender will be the Miami Dolphins. According to Schultz on Monday night, the Dolphins and Maye have agreed to terms on a free agent contract. Schultz’s report indicated Maye “believes” the Dolphins are contenders for a title this year and that the safety “loves” the roster.

No contract details have been reported for Maye. The Dolphins received $18.5 million in salary cap space last week when the post-June 1 release designation of cornerback Xavien Howard was processed. Prior to signing Maye, Miami was estimated to have around $18.8 million in cap space.

Maye was a 2017 second-round pick of the New York Jets coming out of the University of Florida. A Melbourne, Florida native, he spent five seasons with the Jets, primarily working as a free safety with some strong safety works as well. In 2022, Maye joined the New Orleans Saints on a three-year contract, but missed much of last year due to a suspension and a shoulder injury. He was released by the Saints before the start of the free agency period.

He has appeared in 77 games, all starts, with 409 tackles, 28 passes defensed, eight interceptions five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 4.5 sacks.

Maye joins a safety group that includes Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer, Nik Needham, Elijah Campbell, Patrick McMorris, and Mark Perry. Poyer was signed as a free agent this year while Needham is cross training at safety after beginning his career as a nickel cornerback. McMorris was a sixth-round draft pick by Miami this year and Perry was signed as an undrafted free agent.

The Dolphins could look to Maye to provide veteran depth at the position. He could also be in contention to start over Poyer, who is entering his 12th year in the league, in a potential training camp position battle.