Jets Defender Not Happy Trade Request Wasn't Honored

If the goal of New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey was to keep defensive end Will McDonald IV on the team to make the head coaching job more attractive in the event Aaron Glenn gets fired, he made sure to have a disgruntled player on the roster for the remainder of the season.

McDonald, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, requested a trade from the Jets before Tuesday's deadline. New York balked at any offers for the 27-year-old defender.

On Wednesday, McDonald told reporters that his situation was "frustrating"  and that "it is what it is," via Rich Cimini of ESPN.

McDonald said he wants to be on the field and to help the team win, something that has not happened as often since Glenn became the head coach. He said he's still in communication with Glenn and his staff, but would like to see more snaps on the field on Sundays.

McDonald had a stellar second season for the Jets when he recorded 10.5 sacks, but has seen his numbers decline in 2025 and 2026. He has three sacks and one forced fumble this season.

The Jets have McDonald locked up for 2027 after picking up his fifth-year option. If the Jets bring in a new head coach, there is a possibility he'd receive more playing time in a new system.

The Jets are 2-7 before getting set to host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It remains to be seen how Glenn and the staff will use McDonald with the season heading off the rails as evidenced by a lopsided 35-12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9. 

As for Glenn, the second-year head coach believes New York is on the cusp of earning some big wins in the second half of the season. He pointed to how close many of the Jets' losses have been to playoff-caliber teams as evidence that New York is close to accomplishing its goals. 

However, Glenn and the staff should be realistic about where the Jets are at this point in the season. They're not going to the playoffs. Why keep young players like McDonald on the roster if they're not going to use him properly?

Frankly, it doesn't reflect on Glenn well that McDonald is not being used properly. And the main reason why the Jets would keep McDonald on the roster should be of concern to