Three realistic options for the New Orleans Saints to replace safety Marcus Maye
The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of tough decisions during the 2024 offseason. They've made another one. They will be releasing veteran safety Marcus Maye at the start of the league year. Accordingly, the Saints will need to replace him. Maye started 17 games for New Orleans over the past couple of seasons. He […]
The New Orleans Saints will have plenty of tough decisions during the 2024 offseason. They've made another one. They will be releasing veteran safety Marcus Maye at the start of the league year.
Accordingly, the Saints will need to replace him. Maye started 17 games for New Orleans over the past couple of seasons. He played both in the box and deeper on the back end of the secondary.
Who are three realistic options to replace Marcus Maye on the Saints?
Kamren Curl, Washington Commanders
Curl has been an underrated defender over the past two seasons. He totaled 87 tackles last season, which was seventh amongst safeties. He isn't a ballhawk when it comes to forcing turnovers, but he has proven to be solid in the box and over the top during his stint in Washington. Consistency has been the name of the game for Curl in his NFL career.
Curl's production should not go unnoticed, but his price may not be too hefty for the Saints. The price for safeties has not seen quite the rise that other spots have in recent years, and he could grab a bridge deal from a team like the Saints to prove his value even further.
Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots
Dugger may receive an extension from New England before free agency. If not, he will have plenty of suitors. The Saints should be one of them if that occurs. Dugger is an experienced, versatile piece in the secondary that is not afraid to make plays in the run game.
Dugger can be used for matchups in the slot as well as play in the box. He, along with Tyrann Mathieu, would provide a double dose of different skillsets for the New Orleans secondary.
Jaden Hicks, 2024 NFL Draft
Hicks is arguably the biggest "sleeper" of the class at safety. He met with the Saints at the NFL Scouting Combine as well. During his days at Washington State, he held many roles. He spent time in the box and as a "center-fielder" type of safety for their defense. Hicks' versatility would make plenty of sense for New Orleans' unit.
Jordan Howden is an intriguing, improving player from the 2023 draft class, and Tyrann Mathieu is the proven veteran at the position for the Saints. Hicks brings aspects that Maye did, at a cheaper price, with more upside in the future.
All in all, these three stand out as potential options for the Saints in their search to replace Maye. Keep an eye on them moving forward.
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