With Will McDonald IV relegated to a backup role, the Jets are demanding the edge rusher prove his value before committing to a long-term extension in New York.
The New York Jets made several offseason moves that are putting a former first-round pick on notice before Week 1.
After a 3-14 season, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is facing some pressure to have a much better campaign in 2026, and to get more out of his defense. New York ranked 25th in total defense last season, which wasn't a good sign for a team coached by a former defensive coordinator.
The Jets put a lot of resources into beefing up the pass rush, adding Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare. Per OurLads, Ossai is projected to be a starter, with Will McDonald IV as his backup.
Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets have no plans to sign McDonald to a long-term contract extension, opting to let the 2023 first-round pick prove it during the upcoming season.
"The Jets exercised McDonald's fifth-year option for 2027 ($13.75 million), so they have him under contract for two years at $16.75 million -- a relative bargain," Cimini wrote.
"There's no rush to get anything done long term. They will let him play out the 2026 season and reevaluate at that point. And now that right guard Joe Tippmann (four years, $62 million) is extended, too, the Jets have their contract extensions done for the year."
The Iowa State product didn't start during his first year in New York, but appeared in 15 games and made three sacks. During his last two seasons, McDonald started in 29 games, earning 18.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Clearly, the Jets are sending a warning to McDonald that he needs to play much better if he wants a better deal with the team after the 2026 campaign.
Per Pro Football Focus, McDonald was ranked 89th out of 115 edges for the 2025 season. He hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations the Jets had for him when he was taken with the No. 15 pick.
Former Jets general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh were the brains behind the pick for McDonald. They're no longer in New York, and McDonald needs to show the new regime he's worth more investment.
