Jets would be fools to turn down reported trade offer for Will McDonald

As if things couldn't get lower for the New York Jets following their drubbing at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs, former first-round draft pick Will McDonald IV requested a trade on Monday morning, asking for a new team after a four-and-a-half-year run in New York.

McDonald cited his current relationship with the Jets coaching staff as the reason why, and his already small role that has shrunk with every week that's gone by under the supervision of Aaron Glenn. With an upcoming contract year in 2027, the former Iowa State standout wants to go somewhere he can produce.

By all accounts, the Jets have no intention of trading McDonald. Glenn said as much at his Monday morning press conference and reiterated that New York is "in the business of keeping good players." However, if the price is right, they should absolutely deal McDonald.

However, NFL insider Jordan Schultz revealed that the Jets are receiving offers of a Day 2 draft pick for the pass rusher's services, and if that's true, they need to pull the trigger on a trade.

New York Jets should absolutely trade Will McDonald IV

If Schultz's reporting is accurate, the Jets shouldn't even hesitate to deal McDonald for a Day 2 (most likely a third-round) draft pick. The former first-round pick is a promising talent, but it's become increasingly obvious that he's not the long-term pass-rushing partner that the Jets need to pair David Bailey with.

McDonald is best utilized as a pass-rushing specialist. He can't be an every-down player due to his inability to stop the run, and even then, he's a bit one-dimensional with a limited move pool.

Under Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich's wide-nine scheme, McDonald was at his best. 2024 was his breakout season, recording 10.5 sacks and appearing in all 17 games. Since then, it's been a mixed bag.

Of course, he would chalk that up to Glenn's scheme and his failure to utilize the best parts of McDonald's game.

Yes, the Jets are likely to have a new coaching staff in 2027, and a new defensive coordinator who could look to get more out of McDonald. But at this point, isn't New York just better off wiping the slate clean and looking to find new talent with that draft pick?

At some point next season, the Jets will either have to extend McDonald or let him walk as a free agent. Instead of weighing the risks or benefits of either option, a trade seems like the easiest path forward for all parties.

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