Will McDonald could see minimized role with Jets defense in 2026

The New York Jets did not get enough out of their pass rushers in 2025, despite boasting two former first-round draft picks off the edge, and it led to a complete and total overhaul of the position this past offseason.

Out is Jermaine Johnson II, in are free agent signings Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, and, of course, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, David Bailey.

But where does that leave edge Will McDonald, the lone starter left over from last year's team?

Could the 2024 first-round draft pick retain his starting role? Or will he see fewer snaps than he's used to, thanks to the Jets' newest additions?

Will McDonald may see fewer snaps with Jets in 2026

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, McDonald is expected to see less time on the field next season and transition into more of a pass-rush specialist role, coming in exclusively on third downs and obvious passing situations.

"Free agent additions Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare didn't garner much media attention in the offseason, but they will be significant edge players on defense. They will have an impact on the playing time for Will McDonald IV. McDonald played 66% of the snaps in each of the last two seasons, but that number figures to decline. He likely will transition into a pass-rushing role, which is what he does best."

Rich Cimini

A smaller role isn't necessarily an indictment on McDonald as a football player, but more about what the Jets' newest additions offer.

According to Pro Football Focus, McDonald was one of the worst run defenders in football last season. He graded out as the 112th-ranked run defender out of 115 pass rushers.

Enagbare and Ossai are both way better run defenders, and will likely split the most reps with Bailey on the field in 2026.

Of course, the Jets' first-round pick has his own concerns about run defense, but head coach Aaron Glenn has done his best to downplay that this offseason.

The change of role could be a good thing for McDonald. He'll be fresher for his pass rush reps and won't tire out trying to defend the run on first and second downs.

Regardless, nothing could be as bad as it was last season, when the Jets finished dead last in the AFC with the least amount of sacks.

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