Jets react to Will McDonald’s trade request

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Jets react to Will McDonald’s trade request

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Nov 9, 2026 11:56 AM ET

New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV wants to be traded, but it does not sound like the organization is set to grant his request.

McDonald has requested a trade from the Jets over a lack of playing time, according to multiple reports. Jets coach Aaron Glenn, however, has made it clear that the team has no intention of granting McDonald’s wish.

Coach Aaron Glenn: "Will is going to be here.” Essentially, Glenn says they don’t want to trade good players.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2026

McDonald, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had 10.5 sacks in 2024 and looked to be on his way to a productive career. The current regime has soured on him, however, and he has just three sacks this season while playing less than half of the team’s defensive snaps.

McDonald is still on his rookie contract, and the Jets have exercised his fifth-year option. They have him through next season for the time being.

This is just the latest blow for a Jets team that has failed to progress as hoped this season, in large part because of that defense. McDonald is talented, and it is understandable why he would want out if the team is not going to deploy him more frequently.

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