Jets Situation With Underserved Pass-Rusher Looks Headed Toward Trade

The New York Jets enter Week 5 looking more like a team looking to sell before the trade deadline on Nov. 10 than a legitimate playoff contender in the AFC.

After earning a win over the Tennessee Titans and former Jets head coach Robert Saleh in Week 1, New York has lost three games in a row and looked completely outclassed on both sides of the ball in a 23-12 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 4. 

The 1-3 Jets are set to host the 3-1 Cleveland Browns on Sunday. A loss could set the wheels in motion for New York to be receptive to trade inquiries, and Will McDonald IV is expected to be of interest to contenders who need pass-rushing help this season.

Per Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, those around the league think it makes the most sense for the Jets and McDonald to part ways before the deadline if New York continues to pile up losses.

McDonald, the No. 15 pick in the 2023 draft, doesn't seem to be a fit for head coach Aaron Glenn's defense. He didn't receive much playing time in the first three games, just 25 snaps a game, though he saw increased snaps against the Bears when the defense was on the field for 89 plays.

League teams have shown interest in McDonald for a year. New York picked up McDonald's fifth-year option, and that could be a boost for a team like the Dallas Cowboys, as owner Jerry Jones suggested on Thursday night he liked the idea of trading for a player who could be with the team for more than this season. 

McDonald will be on the books for $13.75 million in 2027.

McDonald had a breakout season in 2024, earning 28 tackles and 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. In his first year under Glenn's regime, he recorded 30 tackles and eight sacks.

This season, McDonald has appeared in four games and made one start. He's recorded seven tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack. He's played in 52% of the defense's snaps and 33% of their special teams snaps.

Given his use on the Jets, or lack thereof, New York should decide to get something in return for McDonald if there are no plans to make him a featured part of the defense. The Jets need the draft capital as they continue building what they hope will become a contender.