Marcus

Maye

The Chargers have been riddled with injuries to the secondary, and now Maye will be out of action for the foreseeable future during Thursday night’s contest. He’s currently undergoing X-rays, which doesn’t seem to bode well for a return Thursday night.

Maye’s release from the Dolphins came at an opportune time for the Chargers, whose secondary is somewhat banged up after a physical Week 12 bout with the Ravens. Maye should be able to contribute quickly. Prior to the Dolphins cutting him, Maye was having a solid season. He has allowed just one first down to be gained and zero explosive pass plays this year.

Maye drew significant interest this offseason after being released by the Saints, ultimately choosing to be part of a Super Bowl contender in Miami. The Dolphins made multiple additions to their secondary this offseason with the signings of Kendall Fuller and Jordan Poyer, meaning Maye likely chose fewer snaps for the chance at chasing a ring. Either way, Maye brings veteran savvy to a Miami roster primed for a deep playoff run.

Maye was released by the Saints as a cap-saving move and is “already drawing interest from several teams,” per Russini. Last season, Maye totaled 37 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack in seven games and hasn’t played in more than 10 games since 2021. The 31-year-old safety should still provide plenty of help to the back end of a defense if he can stay healthy.

The news was broken by Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. 10 days shy of his 31st birthday, Maye finished 2023 on injured reserve with a shoulder issue. His release comes two seasons into a three-year deal, and frees up $7.2 million in cap space if he’s designated a post-June 1 cut. Injuries have been a major issue for the former Jet, though he’s remained an every-down player when healthy. Maye was not effective last season, but his departure leaves the Saints with a hole or two on the back end of their defense.

It’s been a rough season for Maye, who was suspended for three games earlier in the season in connected to a 2021 DUI arrest. He then injured his shoulder in Week 12 and after missing last week’s game, the team has made the decision to place him on IR, which will rule him out for the reminder of the regular season. In seven games this season, Maye has 37 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and one sack. His absence will make the Saints a little more vulnerable through the air.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan is listed as questionable because of an ankle issue. He did not practice at all this week and looks likely to miss Week 13 as well. Though still a strong defensive unit, the Saints, now undermanned, are an easier matchup for the Lions than expected. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta are all top-12 fantasy options at their respective positions this week.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan also sat out of Wednesday’s practice. He is dealing with an ankle issue. Both players have started every game they have been active for this year. Jordan has two sacks and a fumble recovery while Maye has a pair of interceptions plus a sack. Losing both for Week 13 would make the Saints a slightly easier matchup for Detroit.

Tyrann Mathieu (foot) and S Marcus Maye (illness), both listed as questionable, are also expected to play. Hill was limited in practice throughout the week but is good to go for Week 8. Hill was playing a larger role in the offense with Juwan Johnson sideline for a few games, but Johnson is back, limiting the ceiling of the versatile tight end.

Maye played in the Saints’ first two games this season, registering 13 tackles, one sack, and one interception, but he was then served with a three-game suspension after being sentenced to six months’ probation for a 2021 DUI. He’s now back in time for a showdown with the Texans on Sunday and should be back in the starting lineup.