MIAMI GARDENS — In his first practice as a Miami Dolphins safety, Marcus Maye nearly came up with an interception on a deep ball.

"Ugh," Maye said Wednesday, after Miami's first training camp practice of the summer. "I've got to catch those. I ain't going to drop no more. So I've got to make sure I catch those, bring those in."

Maye missed a chance to make an impact on Day 1, but he and the Dolphins believe he's the right fit to make an impact this season.

"From the outside looking in, you know, they have a special thing going on," said Maye, who signed with Miami in mid-June. "Especially in the back end."

Just three years ago, Maye was so valued the Jets franchise tagged him for more than $10.6 million.

He's aware of the composition of the AFC East.

"Come Sunday, whoever's across the field, I'm excited to play," Maye said with a smile. "Especially if it's a Jet."

Dolphins-Jets should be interesting for Marcus Maye

Maye, a former second-rounder from the University of Florida and Melbourne, signed with Miami on a one-year deal worth about $1.8 million.

"It was a little frustrating in the beginning," Maye said of the free agent process. "But it's all part of it, part of the business. So, you take it for what it is, you go through the process. You weigh your options and whatever is best for you. So, here was my best spot."

Marcus Maye, Jevon Holland, Jordan Poyer strong Miami Dolphins trio

Maye joins a safety room with rising star Jevon Holland and accomplished veteran Jordan Poyer, who joined the team from Buffalo earlier this offseason.

Maye has family in Fort Lauderdale and Melbourne, where he once shined for Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy.

Maye, 30, has been a very solid pro player, when on the field.

"I feel great about it," Maye said of his career. "I wouldn't say... I mean, like, everything in life has its ups and downs, but I'm still here. I'm still standing. I'm still moving forward. I'm excited to be here, excited to get back to work, and I'm excited to look forward to what the season has in store."

When healthy, Marcus Maye can make big plays

Maye said a shoulder injury suffered playing for New Orleans last season is now "fine."

Maye had foot and Achilles injuries earlier in his career.

He's also had a few off-field incidents, including one that led to a three-game league suspension last season.

Maye’s punishment stemmed from his 2021 arrest in Florida on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol after his involvement in a car crash in Fort Lauderdale.

The Dolphins clearly believed Maye's experience, skill and upside were worth extending an offer.

It's possible Maye competes directly with Poyer for a starting role, or extended playing time.

It's also possible incoming defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver finds a role for all three safeties, including playing together at times.

"Coach Weaver really let you guys do a lot of the things," Maye said. "I'm sure he's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve, and that was another reason why I wanted to join him. The versatility that we have in the back end and being here being a part of it? I'm excited."

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why versatile Miami Dolphins safety Marcus Maye could be big bargain