Report: New Orleans Saints Expected to Release Starting Safety Marcus Maye

The New Orleans Saints may be in the market for a new starting safety after reports suggest they will be moving on from starter Marcus Maye

INDIANAPOLIS — With the new league year bearing down across the NFL, the New Orleans Saints keep making moves. Around this time of year, restructures and cap-saving measures are usually the focus. However, every now and then, the team has to make some other tough decisions as well. 

Marcus Mate reacts against the Carolina Panthers / Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) reacts in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Saints have informed starting safety Marcus Maye that he will soon be released. ESPN’s Katherine Terrell also confirmed the report. 

Some may jump to quickly assume that the move was made as a cap-cutting need, but that will not be the case. Maye’s release frees up just $1.19 million or so in cap space. While every penny counts, money is not the motivating factor with this one. 

The Saints gave Maye a 3-year, $22.5 million deal after losing 2017 draft pick and former starting safety Marcus Williams in 2022. Since then, Maye has appeared in just 17 total games for reasons including a league suspension and injuries.

The team was tremendously pleased with veteran defensive back Johnathan Abram who started in Maye’s place the final two games of the season. Abram is an outgoing free agent, but his performance certainly warrants consideration for re-signing him. New Orleans also invested a 2023 fifth-round selection in safety Jordan Howden, who the coaching staff loves. However, his role as a deep safety may make him a tough fit in Maye’s spot.

We looked at this possibility back in our position reviews. It is a sound choice that provides the team the opportunity to get someone to hold down a pivotal responsibility while bringing the requisite availability, and possibly add some more youth to the position as well. 

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