Will McDonald and 4 Jets running out of time to save their jobs

The New York Jets are nearing the end of what was always billed as an evaluation season under first-year general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn.

Wins and losses have clearly mattered less than clarity, as the organization spent the year determining which players fit the long-term vision, as well as which ones do not.

With that process nearing completion, sweeping roster changes are expected as the Jets head into their second full offseason under this regime. That reality puts several players squarely on the clock.

Some entered the year with defined roles and expectations, while others were given extended opportunities to prove they belonged in the team’s future plans. For a handful of Jets, the results have been underwhelming or wholly inconclusive.

Time is no longer a luxury for the players on this list. The evaluation phase is nearly over, and the margin for error has all but disappeared. If they want to be part of the Jets’ long-term solution, the coming weeks may represent their final chance to make a convincing case.

4 Jets players running out of time to solidify their futures

1. DE Will McDonald

Will McDonald is likely to be on the Jets’ roster in 2026, but his long-term future with the organization is anything but secure. The Jets face a significant decision this offseason regarding his fifth-year option, and there’s a very real possibility they decline it, setting McDonald up to hit free agency after the 2026 season.

McDonald remains the Jets’ best pure pass rusher, but the inconsistency has become impossible to ignore. He’s far too streaky, often disappearing for long stretches without making a meaningful impact.

That issue is magnified by his struggles against the run, where he has been one of the weakest defenders in the NFL. McDonald is essentially unplayable on running downs at this stage.

At this point, McDonald profiles best as a situational third pass rusher rather than a starter playing 50–60 percent of the snaps. Ideally, that’s the role he settles into next season.

But there’s also a realistic scenario in which the Jets explore trading him this offseason, especially if another team believes it can maximize his pass-rush traits.

McDonald is very much a remnant of the Robert Saleh era, and it’s fair to question whether he truly fits what Aaron Glenn wants from his edge rushers moving forward.

2. LB Jamien Sherwood

Much like McDonald, Jamien Sherwood is almost certainly going to be on the Jets’ roster in 2026. The team committed heavily to him this past offseason, signing Sherwood to a three-year, $45 million extension that made him one of the five highest-paid off-ball linebackers in the NFL.

From a contractual standpoint, there’s no easy exit, which makes his 2025 performance all the more concerning. Sherwood hasn’t exactly lived up to that deal this season.

After breaking out under Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich in 2024, Sherwood has regressed under the Jets’ new defensive staff, raising legitimate questions about whether his previous success was more scheme-driven.

The former Auburn star is coming off his best game of the season against the Saints, which offers at least some encouragement. But one strong outing won’t be enough.

While the Jets are essentially locked into his contract for now, Sherwood still has plenty to prove if he wants to be viewed as part of the long-term core rather than an expensive obligation.

3. LG John Simpson

John Simpson was one of the biggest surprises on the Jets’ roster in 2024. He put together a breakout season, finishing with a strong 77.3 Pro Football Focus grade that ranked 11th among 77 qualified guards. Simpson was arguably the Jets’ most reliable offensive lineman and emerged as a vocal on-field leader.

That version of Simpson hasn’t consistently shown up in 2025, however. He’s regressed closer to his career mean and has arguably become the weakest link on the offensive line.

The penalties have been especially concerning, as he's been flagged 12 times in 15 games, including two costly penalties against New Orleans on Sunday. The timing is problematic for the former Raiders fourth-round pick.

The Jets already re-signed Josh Myers earlier this month and will likely be forced to make a choice this offseason between Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker. Vera-Tucker’s injury history is a legitimate concern, but his upside remains significantly higher.

At this point, it feels like the Jets are more likely searching for an upgrade than doubling down on Simpson. He may have quietly played himself onto the roster bubble with his performance this season.

4. WR John Metchie

John Metchie arrived in Florham Park with some intrigue at the trade deadline, acquired around the same time the Jets added Adonai Mitchell. Metchie made a strong first impression, hauling in 10 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns over his first three games.

For a stretch, it looked like the Jets might have found a legitimate starting-caliber slot option for 2026. But that momentum unfortunately hasn't lasted.

Mitchell has emerged as the Jets’ go-to receiver, while Metchie has faded more into the background. Drops have become an issue, and his role in the offense has steadily diminished, turning him from a featured option into more of an afterthought in recent weeks.

Metchie will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning it would be relatively inexpensive for the Jets to bring him back. But the bigger question is what role he will play next season.

A few weeks ago, he looked like part of the long-term plan. Now, he likely projects more as depth than a building block. There’s still time for Metchie to change that narrative and carve out a clearer role for 2026, but the window to do so is closing fast.