Joe

Mays

Mays appears to be on his way out of Denver. The Colts have a big hole at middle linebacker after releasing Gary Brackett.

Mays joins David Hawthorne, who also has plenty of experience at middle linebacker, in visiting the Big Easy. The Saints need depth with Jonathan Vilma looking at an NFL suspension or Saints release.

A two-down inside linebacker, Mays ranked third on the Broncos in tackles last season. While he can’t cover a lick and possesses little value outside of thumping versus the run, Mays’ return should be a plus if Denver can find capable defensive tackles to keep blockers off him at the second level. Mays will also have to compete with 2011 third-round pick Nate Irving for playing time. Expect that to be a heated camp battle in Denver.

It’s essentially a one-year deal. A run-stopping specialist, Mays played 653 snaps in 2011, making 75 tackles. He’ll compete for playing time with 2011 third-round pick Nate Irving this season, and won’t be a particularly strong option in IDP leagues.

The 67th overall pick in last year’s draft, the Broncos are smitten with Irving’s “presence and potential,” per Mason, and he may very well have started games in 2011 if not for the lockout-shortened offseason. Denver instead stuck with Joe Mays, a two-down thumper who lacks Irving’s range, playmaking ability, and cover skills. Mays may be allowed to sign elsewhere this spring.

Mays was suspended for Week 4 against the Raiders, and Brooking stepped in and helped hold Darren McFadden to 34 yards on 13 carries. Mays returned to his starting role last week against the Patriots, but the Denver defense gave up a whopping 35 first-downs. So, head coach John Fox is handing the defensive quarterback reins back to the veteran Brooking. Chargers running back Ryan Mathews should have a big night. According to Pro Football Focus, Mays has excelled against the run but struggles mightily in coverage.

Mays will miss this week’s game against Oakland, which is welcome news for Darren McFadden. Wesley Woodyard and Keith Brooking, previously splitting time at weak-side linebacker could be stretched into three-down players along with Von Miller. Top reserve Nate Irving sustained a concussion in Week 3, leaving Danny Trevathan and Steven Johnson as the alternatives.

Although Mays is appealing the suspension, the process is expected to be expedited. He’s not allowed at the Broncos’ facility this week or in the stadium on Sunday. Keith Brooking figures to pick up snaps in his place. Schaub ended up losing part of his earlobe when his helmet was knocked clean off by the vicious hit. Cracking down on helmet-to-helmet shots -- especially on quarterbacks -- the NFL is making an example out of Mays.

Mays will “at the very least” receive a fine for the illegal shot. Schaub suffered a mild shoulder injury and lost part of his earlobe in Sunday’s victory, but emerged fine to play in Week 4. If Mays had to miss Week 4 against the Raiders, the Broncos might turn to UDFA Steve Johnson at middle linebacker.

Mays went down while blocking on a punt return in the fourth quarter. He’s been diagnosed with a fractured fibula near his ankle. After opening the season as the Broncos’ starting middle linebacker, he fell behind Keith Brooking and was relegated to special teams in the last two games. Mays’ season ends with 20 tackles and a half-sack.