Will McDonald Seeks Trade From Jets Over Reduced Role

Published November 9, 2026. New York Jets edge rusher Will McDonald has asked to be traded, a day before the NFL’s deadline. The team had previously turned away clubs that showed interest, but may now reconsider its position.

McDonald, 27, has started twice this season and played 46 percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps, compared with 66 percent last year. His share fell below 40 percent in three games, including Sunday’s loss to Kansas City. He has raised concerns about his role with coaches, but his playing time has not increased.

The Jets selected McDonald in the first round in 2023. After taking David Bailey second overall this spring and adding Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, the team had moved McDonald down the depth chart early in training camp. Injuries to those three players gave him more action than expected; Ossai is nearing a return, which could further limit McDonald’s snaps.

McDonald has three sacks this season and 24½ in his career, including 10½ in 2024. New York exercised his fifth-year option for 2027, worth $13.8 million. A trade would remove that salary from the team’s books next season. The deadline is November 10 at 4 p.m. ET.