The New York Jets face another locker room disruption ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. Former first-round edge rusher Will McDonald IV formally requested a trade away from the organization, to the dismay of head coach Aaron Glenn.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, McDonald is extremely frustrated with his diminished defensive usage. The disgruntled pass rusher approached team brass weeks ago before finally demanding an immediate exit.
Hence, this trade demand adds further turmoil to a sputtering campaign in East Rutherford. The Jets usually show some sign of fight in their games, but ultimately, they get way more losses than wins.
Will McDonald IV has lost relevancy on the Jets
McDonald’s role has drastically declined after he logged consecutive productive seasons in New York’s front seven. The 2023 first-round selection has participated in only 46 percent of defensive snaps this year.
#Jets pass-rusher Will McDonald IV has informed the team that he wants to be traded, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2026
McDonald has played sparingly this season and is extremely frustrated with his usage. The former first-rounder wants more opportunities and the team is aware. pic.twitter.com/QCxFC0Ciwn
Furthermore, offseason additions David Bailey, Joseph Ossai, and Kingsley Enagbare pushed McDonald down the depth chart. McDonald has managed only three sacks while operating primarily as a situational defender in Aaron Glenn‘s defense.
Aaron Glenn is not fond of letting him go
Head coach Aaron Glenn remains resistant to parting ways with the talented 27-year-old edge rusher. The organization already exercised McDonald’s fifth-year option, keeping him under team control through 2027.
Additionally, the front office has not actively shopped him despite receiving persistent inquiries from contenders. Glenn prefers keeping pass-rushing depth unless an aggressive buyer offers overwhelming draft compensation.
Key takeaways
- Will McDonald IV formally requested a trade away from the New York Jets.
- Will McDonald IV has participated in only 46 percent of defensive snaps this year.
- Head coach Aaron Glenn remains resistant to parting ways with Will McDonald IV.
