New York Jets edge rusher Will McDonald has requested a trade, seeking an opportunity for more playing time elsewhere.
Despite the request, the Jets have reportedly been unwilling to deal McDonald despite receiving offers. Per reports, those offers have been more lucrative than most Jets fans would guess.
According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the Jets have refused offers “in the second round range” for McDonald, leaving the edge rusher frustrated, alongside unmet requests for an increased role on defense.
A second-rounder would be excellent value for McDonald, given how the Jets are using him. McDonald has started just two of the Jets’ nine games and has participated in 46% of their defensive snaps. New York’s lack of confidence in his run defense has relegated him to a reduced role from the 66% snap count that he logged in 2025.
Role aside, a second-rounder would also appear to be a steal from a production standpoint. In nine appearances, McDonald has only three sacks and 19 total pressures. Much of that production came in the season opener; over his last eight games, McDonald has two sacks and 14 total pressures.
McDonald is under contract for the 2027 season on his fifth-year option, but his future with the team has long been uncertain due to his inconsistent pass-rush production and one-dimensionality. If the team truly received second-round offers for McDonald, or even third-round offers, it would be a bold move to decline.
There is a tantalizing ceiling with McDonald, who racked up 18.5 sacks and 103 total pressures from 2024-25. However, his week-to-week consistency has remained an issue throughout his career, as has his run defense and overall strength. Already 27 years old (McDonald was an older first-round pick, turning 24 before his NFL debut), McDonald’s ceiling may be capped out, although a better scheme fit could unlock him.
With the Jets sitting at 2-7, they should be eager to accept Day 2 draft capital for players who don’t appear to fit into their long-term plans. Declining those offers to use McDonald in a backup role for a 2-7 team does not seem like smart business.
