New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV has reportedly requested a trade, as frustration over his limited playing time continues to grow. The 2023 first-round draft pick wants a bigger role, but his opportunities have not increased despite previously approaching the coaching staff about his situation.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, McDonald informed the Jets that he wants to be traded after discussions with the coaches failed to produce the desired changes. The development comes as New York approaches the NFL trade deadline, creating uncertainty about the defensive end’s future with the franchise.
Why Will McDonald IV Wants Out of New York
McDonald’s trade request reportedly stems from his reduced role in the Jets’ defensive rotation. The 27-year-old pass rusher believes he deserves more opportunities, but the coaching staff has not significantly increased his workload.
According to the reporting, McDonald approached the coaches several weeks ago to discuss his playing time. However, nothing changed, eventually leading him to communicate his desire to leave the organization.
The Jets are reportedly not actively shopping McDonald, meaning a potential trade will depend on whether another team makes an attractive offer before the deadline.
The NFL trade deadline is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Will McDonald IV’s Stats and Performance in 2026
McDonald has shown flashes of his pass-rushing ability this season, although his limited defensive snaps have restricted his opportunities to make an impact.
Through nine games, he has recorded three sacks, one forced fumble and 13 total tackles, according to the ESPN report. He has played 263 defensive snaps.
His reduced workload has become a major talking point, particularly because he previously demonstrated his ability to produce as a pass rusher.
McDonald enjoyed his most productive NFL season in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks. That performance established him as an important part of New York’s defensive plans at the time.
However, the coaching transition and changes to the defensive scheme have affected his position within the team.
How the Jets’ Defensive Changes Affected McDonald
The Jets selected Will McDonald IV with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after his college career at Iowa State.
He was drafted by the previous coaching regime but remained with the organization after Aaron Glenn arrived as head coach in 2025.
Glenn initially expressed confidence in McDonald’s potential, suggesting that the defensive end could make a significant impact under the new coaching staff.
McDonald started games during the 2025 season, but New York subsequently made substantial changes to its defensive personnel.
The Jets switched to a 3-4 defensive system and added several edge rushers, including David Bailey, Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.
Those additions created more competition for defensive snaps and pushed McDonald into a situational role.
His struggles against the run have also reportedly influenced how the coaching staff uses him.
According to ESPN, McDonald has played more than 30 defensive snaps only once in his last five games. His frustration reportedly became so significant that he even asked about getting opportunities on special teams.
Will the Jets Trade Will McDonald IV Before the NFL Trade Deadline?
Whether Will McDonald IV gets traded remains uncertain.
The Jets are not actively working to move him, according to the reporting. However, his trade request could attract interest from teams searching for additional pass-rushing help.
McDonald previously generated trade interest before the 2025 deadline, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly among the interested teams. New York ultimately decided to keep him and later exercised his fifth-year option.
That decision has financial implications for any potential trade.
McDonald is scheduled to earn a guaranteed $13.8 million in 2027, the final season of his current contract.
A team considering a trade would therefore need to evaluate his production, defensive fit, age and contract situation before making an offer.
His previous 10.5-sack season could make him an intriguing option for a franchise looking to strengthen its pass rush.
Jets Continue to Struggle Under Aaron Glenn
McDonald’s trade request comes during a difficult season for the New York Jets.
Following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, November 8, New York dropped to 2-7 and extended its losing streak to four games.
The Jets have also struggled to find consistency under Aaron Glenn, with the team facing increasing pressure as the season progresses.
Their offensive problems were particularly noticeable against Kansas City. New York failed to score a touchdown despite running 32 offensive plays in Chiefs territory.
The team has also struggled after halftime, getting outscored 45-10 across its previous two second halves, according to the supplied report.
Glenn acknowledged the challenges while maintaining that the team still believes it can perform at a high level.
The Jets now face questions about their direction, roster construction and the future of several players who are unhappy with their roles.
Will McDonald IV’s NFL Career and Draft Background
McDonald entered the NFL as the 15th overall selection in the 2023 draft.
The Iowa State product arrived in New York with significant expectations because of his pass-rushing ability and athletic potential.
He has recorded 24.5 career sacks in the NFL, including 10.5 during the 2024 season.
Despite that production, his role has changed considerably under the current coaching staff.
At 27 years old, McDonald still has an opportunity to contribute to a team’s defensive front. A change of scenery could potentially provide him with a different role and more consistent playing time.
However, until a trade is completed, he remains a member of the New York Jets.
Another Jets Player Expresses Frustration With His Role
McDonald is not the only Jets player reportedly considering a change of scenery.
Cornerback Nahshon Wright has also expressed frustration with his lack of opportunities. According to ESPN, Wright has yet to play a defensive snap and has told the organization that he is open to being traded.
Having multiple players express dissatisfaction with their roles adds another challenge for the Jets as they approach the trade deadline.
For now, McDonald’s situation is one to watch. Whether New York receives a suitable offer before Tuesday’s deadline could determine if the former first-round pick remains in the team’s long-term plans.
The biggest question surrounding Will McDonald IV is whether the Jets are willing to move on from a former first-round selection or attempt to keep him despite his desire for a larger role.
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