The New York Jets’ edge rushers were atrocious in 2025; there is no way around it.
That included 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald taking a huge step back after a breakout year in 2024.
Despite that, general manager Darren Mougey told reporters at the NFL owners’ meetings that the team “anticipates” it will pick up McDonald’s fifth-year option ahead of the 2026 season.
After posting 10.5 sacks and 61 total pressures in 2024, McDonald was expected to take another leap production-wise in his third NFL season.
However, that was not the case. He finished the year with eight sacks, while six of those came in just two games. His total pressures also dropped by 19 from the year prior (42).
While his production dipped, it wasn’t entirely his fault.
As Jets X-Factor’s Joe Blewett pointed out, there were a ton of instances where McDonald won his rep and got into the backfield, but opposing QBs were able to get the ball out before he could do damage, largely due to Gang Green’s poor coverage downfield.
However, he remained a liability off the edge as a run-defender, earning a rough 41.4 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked 112th among 115 qualified edge rushers.
According to Over the Cap, McDonald’s fifth-year option is expected to be worth over $13.7 million for the 2027 season. It won’t count towards the Jets’ cap space this offseason if picked up.
The deadline for Gang Green to make a decision on the option is May 1.
