Nov 1, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) reacts after making a sack on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The trade deadline is nigh, and if the New York Jets are sellers, they are going to have to get moving.
Pass rusher Will McDonald IV gave his squad little notice when he requested a trade Monday morning, less than a day after the Jets were trounced 35-12 by the Kansas City Chiefs, dropping them to 2-7.
Head coach Aaron Glenn almost immediately refuted those reports, saying shortly after they emerged, “We’re in the business of keeping good players, so Will is going to be here.”
McDonald’s request comes amid frustration about his workload. Despite posting 18.5 sacks over the last two years, his snap count is down as he has lost reps to first-round pick David Bailey and free-agent acquisitions Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare.
Still, the 27-year-old has three sacks, 16 total tackles, and seven QB hits in nine games.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Jets have reportedly received multiple phone calls regarding the availability of starting quarterback Geno Smith, who has mostly performed admirably within the dumpster fire that is Gang Green this season.
The Jets do not appear all that inclined to entertain such calls, allowing the veteran quarterback to at least see out the remainder of his reunion season in New York.
Despite last year’s regression with the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith has completed 67.5% of his passes for 2,078 yards with 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions.
The 36-year-old’s reunion with Gang Green is not expected to last very long, especially at this rate. They are in the running for the No. 1 overall pick as they own the 2-7 Indianapolis Colts selection (currently at No. 4), which would provide the opportunity to finally land a franchise quarterback. The Jets’ own first-rounder currently sits at No. 6 on the draft board, with the winless Los Angeles Chargers in front of the 1-7 Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.
For more on the Jets, visit AMNY.com
