The defender rose to the occasion for the New York Jets when injuries shook the secondary last season, his third year in the league.
Cornerback Arthur Maulet confirmed on Friday that he will return to the New York Jets. Maulet’s representatives at Icon Sports Consulting LLC said that Maulet would return on a one-year deal.
Maulet announced his return on Twitter, proudly showcasing his green Jets jersey bearing the number 23.
https://twitter.com/arthurmaulet_/status/1241022866499436544
Maulet, 26, signed a reserve/future deal with the Jets in January 2019. He had previously spent time with New Orleans and Indianapolis before making his New York arrival. The early stages of his career were spent mostly on special teams, but Maulet performed serviceably after he pressed into the starting lineup by injuries. Over a dozen games (six starts), Maulet set new career-highs in tackles (38) and pass defense (2). He also earned the first interception of his career in the Jets’ victorious season finale against Buffalo. One week prior, Maulet had a career-best eight tackles in another Jets win, their home finale against Pittsburgh.
Another highlight for Maulet came in the Jets’ Week 3 visit to New England. He would recover a muffed punt in the end zone for a touchdown in the Jets’ 30-14 loss. It was the first touchdown the Jets scored at Gillette Stadium since 2015.
With this signing, the Jets are able to restock their secondary depth. Earlier this week, the team also brought back fellow cornerback Brian Poole on a one-year, $5 million deal.
The return of Maulet perhaps more than makes up for another secondary free agent’s departure. It was reported earlier this week by NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo this week that cornerback Maurice Canady joined up with the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year deal. Remaining secondary free agents for the Jets include cornerback Bennett Jackson and safety Blake Countess.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags