FLORHAM PARK (N.J.) -- Marcus Maye, New York Jets safety, said Thursday that he is open to trades, despite a tweet from his agent suggesting he was. This sentiment he also shared with Jets officials.
Maye stated, "They know that I want to be there." "They know that I am 100% with my boys."
Maye's name has been floating around in the rumor mill. The NFL trading deadline for players is Nov. 2. The Jets (1-4), are in danger of losing contention and it is unclear if they will extend their long-term contract. Maye, 28 years old, is currently on $10.6 million in franchise rights.
Erik Burkhardt tweeted that Maye's ankle injury in Week 3 was a temporary one and that Maye would recover by the deadline. This fueled speculation.
Maye spoke to reporters for the first-time since then. He said that he doesn't have control over his agent's tweets and that it was just an update on injury.
He stated that he has never requested a trade and would not. He would like to stay with the Jets, who drafted him in 2017's second round.
Maye said, "Yeah. Of course, I'm there," and he wanted a contract last season that would have made him one the highest-paid safetyties in the league. "Everytime I'm in that building, I'm 100%. I'm 100% every time I'm out on the field. "I'm going to be there for my guys, no matter what."
Maye, who missed two games due to injury, will be back in the lineup against the New England Patriots (2-4), at Gillette Stadium.
A DUI charge in Broward County, Florida could impact his long-term future. Maye did not report the incident to the Jets, in violation of league rules. It wasn't until October 4, when ESPN first reported the incident, that they found out.
Maye was asked if Robert Saleh was really shocked by the arrest. He replied, "They all were. But we talked and moved on."
Maye stated that he is "not permitted" to comment on this case. He refused to answer questions about why he kept it secret from the NFL for seven months. This could impact on whether or not he is disciplined by the NFL. The league office is currently reviewing the matter and may decide to suspend him. Maye believes it has not broken his relationship with the league.
He said, "They know me." "Once they know me, I'm all set. There is no trust issue on my part and such things. They know that I am 100% with them every time I walk into the building and step onto the field."
Saleh stated that Maye is supported by the organization. He initiated a meeting to discuss his situation with his coach because it was "the mature thing to do, just admitting to my situation." After it was reported by media outlets, that was. Maye was also charged with driving under the influence, DUI/damage of property and person and leaving the accident scene. Although there were no injuries to Maye, a woman is suing him for causing damage to her vehicle and driving under the influence.
Maye stated that he is remorseful.
He said, "Oh, yeah. Definitely." The situation was tragic. It was a terrible experience. It was a lesson that I have learned. "... You must keep going."
