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5 targets for Vikings in 2022 NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

EAGAN, MN - FEBRUARY 17: General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (L) and Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings address the media at TCO Performance Center on February 17, 2022 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
EAGAN, MN - FEBRUARY 17: General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (L) and Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings address the media at TCO Performance Center on February 17, 2022 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 26: Safety Marcus Maye #20 of the New York Jets defends on the field during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 26: Safety Marcus Maye #20 of the New York Jets defends on the field during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 26, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

3. FS Marcus Maye (New York Jets)

Back in 2017, the New York Jets used the sixth-overall pick on talented LSU safety Jamal Adams. And the team went right back to the last line of defense in the second round with the drafting of University of North Carolina safety Marcus Maye.

Of course, the former had his issues with the organization and was eventually shipped off to Seattle in 2020 and it cost the Seahawks dearly. Meanwhile, Maye has been a steady performer when healthy. He started all 16 games as a rookie, as well as in 2019 and ’20. But in those other two seasons, he was limited to only six contests. In those outings, he totaled 46 stops, an interception, one sack and two passes defensed.

Maye played under the franchise tag a year ago, meaning $10.612 million (via Spotrac). Would the Jets consider tagging him again? That’s certainly a possibility. But new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has to make a decision on free safety Xavier Woods.

The former Dallas Cowboys’ defender signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in 2021 and started all 17 games for the club – finishing third on the team with 107 defensive tackles while leading Minnesota with 10 passes defensed. The five-year pro tied for the club lead with three interceptions.

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