One day before the NFL trade deadline, the Jets are dealing with a player who wants out.
Edge rusher Will McDonald has requested a trade, a source confirmed. The Jets have rebuffed teams who have inquired about trading for McDonald but may have to reconsider that stance now.
McDonald, a 2023 first-round pick, has become increasingly frustrated with his reduced role this season, according to a source. McDonald has spoken to his coaches about it but it has not changed.
He has started two games this season and has played less than 40 percent of the defensive snaps in three games this year, including Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. He has played 46 percent of the defensive snaps this year, down from 66 percent last year.
McDonald, 27, was drafted by the last regime of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh.
He has always seemed like a poor fit for Aaron Glenn, who prefers bigger defensive linemen.
McDonald has three sacks this season. He has 24 ½ in his career, with his best year coming in 2024 when he had 10 ½.
The Jets drafted David Bailey at No. 2 overall this spring and signed edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare in the offseason. It was clear early in training camp that McDonald had fallen down the depth chart.
He has actually played more than expected because Ossai, Enagbare and Bailey have all missed games due to injury.
Ossai is expected to return soon and McDonald’s role will likely be reduced again when he does.
There was interest in trading for McDonald last year at the deadline but the Jets turned down those offers. The Jets picked up his fifth-year option for 2027 at $13.8 million. Trading him would take that big number off the books for next season.
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
