The NFL Free Agent market has heated up since the conclusion of the draft, as teams have begun adding more talent through free agency to fill remaining needs on their roster. The Titans were one of those teams, signing wide receiver Tyler Boyd to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. Though Boyd was a fantastic signing, general manager Ran Carthon likely isn’t done, as the team has acknowledged the need to acquire another safety. Many Titans fans are pounding the table for Justin Simmons, but veteran safety Marcus Maye is the more likely safety solution for Tennessee in 2024, and here’s why.
Connection with Dennard Wilson
Dennard Wilson served as the defensive backs coach for the Jets from 2017 to 2020. The new Titans’ defensive coordinator coached Marcus Maye during that time period and coached the 31-year-old safety during his best seasons. This offseason, we’ve seen the Titans acquire multiple players who were coached by prominent members of the new coaching staff, including WR Calvin Ridley (OC Nick Holz), WR Tyler Boyd (HC Brian Callahan, and OL Leroy Watson (OL Coach Bill Callahan). Maye would follow suit in that trend if he were to become a Titan.
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March 14th Visit
Maye visited the Titans facility on March 14th. Tennessee has conducted many free agent visits this offseason and recently signed wide receiver Tyler Boyd after his visit.
Marcus Maye’s Stats
Maye wasn’t perfect last year, but he would be a solid fit alongside Amani Hooker. The former Florida Gator has experience playing both strong and free safety and allowed zero touchdowns and a passer rating of 69.7 when targeted. Maye also had nine-run stops and played over 440 total defensive snaps.
The Money
Though Justin Simmons is the better player, his high asking price could be the reason Tennessee isn’t pursuing him. Marcus Maye shouldn’t cost much at all, as he was a cap casualty at the beginning of March by the Saints. Safety Jordan Fuller signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Panthers earlier in the offseason, which could be a potential contract Maye could receive.
Justin Simmons is the more exciting option for the Titans at safety and is a better player than Marcus Maye. But all the signs point to Ran Carthon and Co. signing Maye to finalize their secondary for the 2024 season.
