Jets DE Will McDonald IV Requested Trade

Rapoport adds McDonald has been frustrated with his usage this year and wants more opportunities. He also mentioned the Jets have yet to engage in talks regarding McDonald and don’t plan to despite teams calling with interest.

The Jets picked up McDonald’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season but were going to let this season play out before evaluating a potential extension. He’s registered a 46 percent snap share on defense through nine games after playing 66 percent of defensive snaps each of the last two seasons.

McDonald, 27, was a two-year starter at Iowa State but three-time first-team All-Big 12, as well as a first-team All-American in 2021. The Jets selected him with the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

He’s entering the fourth year of a four-year, $17,497,690 contract that included a $9,725,593 signing bonus. His contract includes a fifth-year option worth $13.752 million fully guaranteed for the 2027 season.  

In 2026, McDonald has appeared in nine games for the Jets and recorded 16 total tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

We’ll have more on McDonald as the news is available.