by Niles Carpenter/Saints Contributor

The New Orleans Saints will be without one of their starting safeties as the NFL has handed down a three-game suspension to starting safety Marcus Maye. The suspension, announced on Wednesday, is a result of Maye’s involvement in a DUI arrest that occurred in February 2021, with the case finally reaching its resolution this past summer.

The former second-round pick of the New York Jets, who joined the Saints in his second season with the team, experienced this arrest prior to his final season with the Jets. The franchise-tagged player saw his tenure with the Jets come to an abrupt end due to an ACL tear, concluding a five-season partnership.

Maye’s journey in New Orleans commenced in 2022 when he signed a lucrative three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Saints. The suspension, coming 31 months after the off-field incident, underscores the prolonged legal process and its impact on his NFL career.

Initially pleading not guilty to the DUI charge, Maye eventually changed course this summer, entering a no-contest plea. Despite the legal turmoil, Maye managed to deliver impactful performances on the field this season. He intercepted a pass in Week 1 and recorded a sack in Week 2, highlighting his value to the Saints’ defense.

In Maye’s absence, the Saints will rely on their depth at safety. Lonnie Johnson Jr., a seasoned veteran, along with fifth-round rookie Jordan Howden and veteran special-teams standout J.T. Gray, will step up as safety backups.