[Jets Commit to Will McDonald IV’s Increased Role After Rejecting Trade Request]
The Jets declined edge rusher Will McDonald IV’s trade request and have now indicated he is being moved to a larger role within the defensive line.
McDonald formally requested a trade on Monday, citing frustration over his declining playing time. The Jets turned down any trade offers, and head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Wednesday that McDonald will begin receiving increased playing time within the unit.
McDonald stated that he requested the trade because “I wasn’t playing.” This situation has been building since the summer when it became evident the Jets had pushed him down the depth chart. The team drafted David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick and added Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai at McDonald’s position, keeping him on the bench more than he is accustomed to.
“It’s not rocket science,” McDonald said. “Everyone wants to play, everyone wants to help the team win. I don’t want to make it a big deal as much as the media is making it. Ultimately, the goal is to win and to help the team.”
Glenn added that McDonald is highly valued by the organization. “Will’s a huge part of what we’re doing,” Glenn said. “It’s my job to make sure that I continue to put him in positions to help this team be successful.”
McDonald, who was drafted in the first round in 2023 by the previous Jets regime, has not appeared as a “huge part” of the team’s strategy this season. After leading the squad with eight sacks last year, McDonald is now a part-time player. He has accounted for 46 percent of defensive snaps this year, a figure that remains relatively high only due to injuries. He recorded just 24 snaps in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. This season he has logged three sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
“I want to clear everything up,” McDonald said. “There’s no hard feelings with the coaching staff or anybody here. I just want to play and help the team win.”
“It’s my job to make sure I put him in position to play more because he is improving,” Glenn said. “I’ve always said that you earn the right to play and he’s done that.”
The criticism of McDonald’s pass rush has long been his primary concern. Glenn did not elaborate on specific areas for improvement but was clear about his perspective on the player. “His pass rush, I think we all know, is second to none,” Glenn said.
McDonald described this year as difficult. “It is quite frustrating but, like I said, it is what it is,” McDonald said. “I just want to be on the field so I can be more productive and help the team win.”
WR Garrett Wilson (concussion) and WR Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) were listed as limited in practice on Wednesday. Both are expected to play Sunday against the Bills.