On Wednesday, the New York Jets exercised Will McDonald’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season, two days ahead of the league’s deadline.
Although McDonald’s production fell during the 2025 season, picking up his option was an easy decision for the Jets.
Why the Jets made the right move
McDonald’s option for 2027 is expected to be worth just over $13.7 million, which roughly ranks 33rd among edge rushers in annual salary. Furthermore, it gives the Jets an extra year of team control at a lower price.
It also buys the team an additional year before considering a long-term extension. After a silent rookie season, he broke out during his second professional season in 2024, eclipsing double-digit sacks and 60 pressures.
While his production dipped last season, the team’s poor secondary performance was largely attributed to that drop.
The big question regarding McDonald is his run defense. Regardless of his production these past two seasons, he can rush the passer… and he can do it at a high level. There is no doubt about that.
The same can’t be said about his run-defense, though.
In 2025, his 41.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 112th among 115 qualified edge rushers. He was even worse during the 2024 season as his 39.5 grade ranked 120th among 121 edges.
Over these next two seasons, while he is still under team control, all eyes will be on his run defense. By the time his rookie contract is up, including the fifth-year option, he will be entering his age-29 season.
If he is unable to adjust that level of his game, it would be perplexing for the Jets to give a 29-year-old situational pass rusher a multi-year extension.
Now, the ball is in McDonald’s court. The Jets have picked up his fifth-year option, and he has proven his pass-rushing prowess but not his ability to defend the run.
To sign a lucrative extension with New York, or any team in the league, he must become a three-down edge.
