Jets have perfect contract template for Will McDonald after latest extension

The New York Jets have used this offseason to make additions to the roster. Both sides of the ball got better, but general manager Darren Mougey needs to see who will be a building block for the future. They've already decided that running back Breece Hall and receiver Garrett Wilson are some of those guys, but defensive end Will McDonald could be another one.

Earlier this offseason, the Jets decided to pick up McDonald's fifth-year option for the 2027 season, which locks in his salary at $14.4 million for that campaign. The Jets have McDonald on a bargain for the next two years, but they were still given an ideal template they should use for a McDonald extension.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Seattle Seahawks and edge rusher Derick Hall agreed on a three-year, $42 million extension that can increase to $46.5 million. His contract also includes $21 million guaranteed. This deal could average out to $15.5 million, but it rewards a player for his contributions to a Super Bowl-winning roster.

Considering that Hall and McDonald are both from the 2023 draft class, this seems like an ideal contract layout for the Jets to have for McDonald.

Recent extension gives Jets easy extension to mirror for Will McDonald

It may not be a one-for-one fit, as McDonald has played more than Hall, but the deals could be similar. In 48 games (17 starts), Hall has tallied 105 total tackles, 38 QB hits, 12 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. In the Super Bowl win over the Patriots, Hall finished with two sacks and a forced fumble.

Meanwhile, over 47 games (29 starts), McDonald has recorded 72 total tackles, 48 QB hits, 25 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks. While Hall was a better run defender last season, McDonald has a knack for getting after the quarterback more and causing pressure.

Considering that McDonald has 11.5 sacks more than Hall, that is something that he'll bring to the negotiating table. Nonetheless, Hall was a viable piece en route to the Super Bowl and got a payday. Although the Jets have McDonald under contract for the next two seasons, if he comes out and produces in 2026, his price tag will only go up.

Through three seasons, McDonald has shown the ability to create havoc in the backfield, but still has room to grow as a run defender. It's also worth mentioning that since the Jets have struggled and trailed a ton, McDonald hasn't been able to just pin his ears back to get after the quarterback. Which is what he's best at.

There's still reason to believe that McDonald has another gear to hit, and paying him early would allow them to save some money in the long term. The Jets may need to get into the range of $20 million per year instead of the mid-teens where Hall landed, but that deal still gave New York a baseline of what to work with.

McDonald's contract will be a talking point in 2026, and this contract could be one that provides New York with the groundwork it needs.

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