Will McDonald's trade request comes from lack of belief in Aaron Glenn

As the NFL trade deadline starts to heat up, New York Jets pass rusher Will McDonald has stoked the fire by requesting a trade. Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic peeled back the curtain and explained why the former No. 15 overall pick, who was selected over Jaxon Smith-Njigba, is trying to force his way out.

Per Rosenblatt, McDonald has a very good relationship with the Robert Saleh regime and felt empowered by them, whereas his role has dwindled under Aaron Glenn. McDonald, who told people close to him that he thought the staff didn't believe in him anymore, has played over 50% of snaps in just three games this season.

Rosenblatt mentioned that the Jets had received interest in McDonald last season, but they constantly rebuffed those advances, and any trade offer they receive this year will likely be inferior. McDonald has not been maximized by this staff, but he has also failed to take the developmental steps needed.

Zack Rosenblatt explains why New York Jets pass rusher Will McDonald requested a trade

McDonald was supposed to be the No. 3 pass rusher this season behind top pick David Bailey and free agent signing Joseph Ossai. Rather than taking advantage of Ossai's injury and moving to a 3-4 scheme that could be better for him as a whole, McDonald has seen Kingsley Enagbare leapfrog him.

McDonald has recorded just three sacks and seven quarterback hits this season on a Jets team that has been begging for anyone other than Bailey to pressure the quarterback. Switching to the 3-4 has not helped McDonald, and his issues as a run defender persist to the point where they might be a lost cause.

McDonald is under contract for one more season after the team picked up his fifth-year option. This is looking like yet another internal contract-related movie that Mougey is regretting, alongside the Jamien Sherwood and Breece Hall extensions, when both may not be on the team in 2027.

The New York Jets may not trade Will McDonald

The Jets have seemingly told teams they aren't interested in trading anyone at the deadline, as they have consistently rebuffed offers for McDonald, Hall, and quarterback Geno Smith. With the Jets already in possession of three first-round picks, a staff trying everything not to get fired probably doesn't want to part with any of their top assets.

The Jets may try to keep him on the basis that the pass rush looks even less functional without him, or try to hold out for a better offer. Still under contract for 2027, perhaps there are some in the front office who are still clinging to the hope that the right coaching cocktail could lead to a career resurgence.

McDonald has had some moments in green and white, but if the trade deadline brings about the end of his time with the Jets, his legacy will forever be crystallized as "the guy the Jets took over Christian Gonzalez and Jaxon Smith-Njigba." That's a tough tag to shake.

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