Jets: Pass-Rusher Emerges as Trade Deadline Target

Over the next week, the New York Jets will need to make serious business decisions about how they want to handle the remainder of the season.

The trade deadline is on Tuesday, and the 2-6 Jets would appear to be on the selling side of things as they get ready to play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. It's likely New York will be 2-7 before the trade deadline, which would be the perfect place to trade players that won't be on the team long term.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano don't believe running back Breece Hall is on the market. The Jets are expected to try and compete to win games down the stretch, which would be important for the culture in their locker room before the 2027 season.

However, the Jets could trade away one player. Graziano suggested New York would be willing to trade Will McDonald IV if they receive a good offer for the 2023 first-round pick. McDonald would be an interesting candidate for a contender needing an edge, as he's set to play on the $14.475 million fifth-year option next season. McDonald had a big Year 2 for the Jets in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

McDonald hasn't been a fit in head coach Aaron Glenn's system. Through eight games this season, he has 14 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. Given his use (or lack thereof), the Jets should take calls for McDonald.

For his career, McDonald has 24.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. There's a lot of upside on McDonald, and one would assume New York would find plenty of trade suitors before Tuesday if they wanted to gain some extra draft capital for 2027.

The Jets made big moves before the trade deadline last year, sending defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Those deals gave the Jets three first-round picks and a second-round pick. 

New York is in a good position for the 2027 draft, as they're currently set to have three picks within the first 10 selections.

That should set up the Jets nicely in the future. New York has young talent and will add several more elite players in the draft next year. Given the way the Jets are competing now, they could be in a better place to contend for the postseason.

They'll have to decide if they want McDonald to be a part of that