Jets may have found perfect Will McDonald trade after stunning injury news

The New York Jets are being very cautious with regard to handing out a contract extension to pass rusher Will McDonald, as they will need to see him make strides as a run defender and become more consistent before making him a part of the long-term plan. If they are unsold on his potential, a trade could very well be in the works.

A new partner may have emerged. In the span of a few months, the Atlanta Falcons went from having their pass rush duo solved for the next half-decade to being saddled with major question marks. Jalon Walker just suffered a season-ending torn ACL, and James Pearce Jr. is in the middle of a concerning legal situation that could impact his availability.

The Falcons could look to trade for McDonald, but the Jets may not want NFL Draft capital. After pulling off a rare player-for-player swap in the T'Vondre Sweat-Jermaine Johnson deal, Darren Mougey might be able to land another impact player at a position of need. Perhaps safety Jessie Bates III could be that type of addition?

New York Jets could look to trade Will McDonald for Jessie Bates III

The Jets may have a surplus of edge rushers for the first time in years, as the additions of No. 2 pick David Bailey and free agents Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare give them enough depth to make this trade. Bailey, apparently looking every bit like the top pick he is advertised to be, could expedite this move.

Bates, who is also in the last year of his contract, has taken a step back and is not the player he once was, but he would immediately be the second-best safety on this roster behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and give the Jets the best ball-hawking safety they have had in years. Bates has recorded at least one INT in every pro season and has 27 such takeaways in eight years,

With three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Jets might find it easier to land a pass rusher who could team with Bailey than a starting safety who is ready to pick off passes right out of the box. Atlanta may be willing to possibly sweeten this deal for New York, as they are dealing from a desperate place.

While moving McDonald appears unlikely, especially considering how big things are expected in a year where he may not be down by three touchdowns every game, Mougey has been very active in the weeks before the season starts, and Atlanta's injuries may lead to a move like this being realized.

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