The New Orleans Saints have had a busy offseason in an attempt to get under the cap by March 13, as they are $16 million over.
They restructured the contracts of Derek Carr, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Cameron Jordan, Nathan Shepherd, and Carl Granderson.
Unfortunately, New Orleans released their starting safety.
The New Orleans Saints release their starting safety.
According to Jordan Schultz, New Orleans informed Marcus Maye that they would release him at the start of the league’s new year as a Pre-June 1st designation, freeing up $1.19 million.
Maye signed a 3-year, $28.5 million contract in 2022.
Maye was limited to 17 games in two seasons with the team.
Maye appeared in 10 games in 2022, recording 60 tackles, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He allowed 12 receptions on 18 targets for 98 yards and an 80.3 passer rating.
He missed three games because of a rib injury (Weeks 3-5), one game because of an abdomen injury (Week 10), and the last three games because of a shoulder injury (Weeks 16-18).
Maye appeared in seven games in 2023, recording 37 tackles, three for a loss, one sack, two interceptions, and two pass deflections. He allowed 10 receptions on 13 targets for 129 yards and a 67.9 passer rating.
The NFL suspended him for three games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy (Weeks 3-5). He missed one game because of a hamstring/illness (Week 8) and the last six games because of a shoulder injury (Weeks 13-18).
Who will be Maye’s replacement?
Jordan Howden has a good chance of being Maye’s replacement. Howden appeared in 16 games and started seven in his rookie season, recording 43 tackles, one sack, five pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He allowed 16 receptions on 27 targets for 230 yards, one touchdown, and a 99.3 passer rating.
Since Howden played well, don’t be surprised if he is the starter next year. But there is a possibility that they will sign a safety in free agency or draft one to compete with him next season.
Expect more roster moves in the coming weeks.
Depending on whether Marcus Maye will be a pre-June 1st or a post-June 1st cut, New Orleans is still in the red and needs to keep making roster moves to get under the cap.
Notable players who could be restructured or released include Ryan Ramczyk, Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill, Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu, and Juwan Johnson, to name a few.
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