Jets Make Will McDonald Decision After His Trade Request

Will McDonald IV is still a New York Jet. The trade deadline passed Tuesday without a deal for the pass rusher, one day after he requested a trade because of his limited role, sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Coach Aaron Glenn made the team’s stance clear right away. “I just know we’re in the business of keeping good players, so Will’s going to be here,” Glenn said Monday. The Jets held to that through Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline, even as contenders were linked to him.

The Jets turned down real offers

McDonald was frustrated that other teams tried to engage the Jets with offers in the second-round range and New York refused, the New York Post’s Brian Costello reported. The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt reported that McDonald has played less than 50% of the defensive snaps in all but three games.

The Jets already exercised McDonald’s fifth-year option, which guarantees him about $14 million next season, per the AP. That gives New York control through 2027, and gives McDonald little leverage beyond his request.