New York Jets edge rusher Will McDonald IV is hoping to leave the Meadowlands by the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline, but the organization does not presently plan to fulfill his wish.
“I just know we're in the business of keeping good players,” head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters Monday morning after the trade request, per the SNY Jets X account. “Will's going to be here.”
This stance is often what fans want to hear, but it is also a tad confusing. McDonald is unhappy with his playing time and wants to go somewhere where he is afforded more opportunities. If the former top-20 draft pick is indeed valued like Glenn suggests, then why is his presence so diminished this season?
Yes, impressive rookie David Bailey obviously deserves to be a focal point after recording seven and a half sacks through his first eight games, but it is still hard to understand why McDonald is not utilized more. The former Iowa State star logged only 24 defensive snaps in Sunday's 35-12 loss versus the Kansas City Chiefs, per Pro Football Focus, and has played less than 30 on five other occasions.
Aaron Glenn was asked about Will McDonald's trade request:
"I just know we're in the business of keeping good players. Will's going to be here." pic.twitter.com/zyI4OKWfcM
— SNY Jets (@snyjets) November 9, 2026