The New York Jets faced a no-brainer decision this offseason when they picked up Will McDonald's fifth-year option. Despite some chatter about possibly declining it, McDonald's prowess as a pass rusher and the current edge market made it an easy call.
In today's NFL landscape, $14.5 million for a productive edge rusher is a bargain, even for one with some rough edges. McDonald has shown he can chase down quarterbacks with the best of them. The task now is to consistently put him in positions to shine.
As we hit Day 37 of the 2026 Jets Camp Countdown, all eyes are on SackDonalds, the McFlurry of Pressures, the Quarter Pounder (because he pounds quarterbacks...or something like that), and one of the most debated figures on the Jets' roster - Will McDonald.
Where Will McDonald Stands Entering Jets Training Camp
Heading into his fourth NFL season, McDonald remains arguably the Jets' top pure pass rusher, even with the arrival of No. 2 overall pick David Bailey.
After a breakout 2024 campaign with 10.5 sacks and 61 pressures, McDonald's numbers took a dip last season. He ended 2025 with eight sacks, although half came in a single game against the Browns. His pressures also dropped to 42, a noticeable fall from his 13th-place ranking among edge rushers the previous year.
But not all of this decline is on McDonald. The Jets often found themselves trailing, which limited his chances to rush the passer. Plus, opposing offenses didn't have much to fear from the rest of the defensive line.
This year, with the additions of David Bailey, Joseph Ossai, Kingsley Enagbare, and a stronger interior line, McDonald should find himself in better situations. At least, that's the plan.
Ironically, playing fewer snaps might actually make him a more impactful player.
Will McDonald's Biggest Weakness Still Lingers
The book on McDonald has always been clear: his knack for pressuring quarterbacks is top-notch, but everything else has been a struggle.
McDonald isn't just struggling against the run; he's been the least effective run-defending edge in the NFL for two seasons running.
In 2024, he posted the lowest Pro Football Focus run-defense grade among qualifying edge rushers with a 39.5, only to follow it up with a 41.6 grade in 2025, once again at the bottom of the pack. His missed tackle rate has also been among the league's highest.
These struggles don't negate his value as a pass rusher, but they do influence how the Jets should deploy him.
McDonald has played 66% of the Jets' defensive snaps over the past two seasons as a full-time starter. But now, with Bailey, Ossai, and Enagbare in the mix, the Jets have the depth to be more strategic.
Gone are the days of relying heavily on players like Braiden McGregor, Eric Watts, and Micheal Clemons for significant snaps. This depth allows the Jets to enhance McDonald's pass-rushing impact while minimizing his run defense shortcomings.
Instead of using McDonald in every scenario, the Jets can now unleash him in situations where he can wreak the most havoc - going after the quarterback.
What Would Make 2026 a Success for Will McDonald
A reduced workload isn't a setback; it might be just what McDonald needs.
The Jets don't require him to take 65-70% of the defensive snaps if they can maximize his effectiveness in passing situations. Let Bailey, despite his own run defense issues, Ossai, and Enagbare handle the early downs while McDonald focuses on his strength.
If McDonald can return to double-digit sacks and become one of the league's elite designated pass rushers, the Jets will happily exchange a lower snap count for higher efficiency.
He's already demonstrated his ability to pressure quarterbacks at a high level. Now, the Jets have a chance to tailor his role to highlight that strength, potentially unlocking one of their most disruptive defensive talents.
In Other News...
Jets Suddenly Linked To A Wild Quarterback Lifeline
The Jets quarterback picture already had a placeholder feel to it, with Geno Smith expected to handle the 2026 season while the team keeps one eye on the next wave of passers. Against that backdrop, any outside chatter about a longer-term answer is going to catch attention, even if it comes wrapped in more imagination than certainty.
NFL.com took that idea to a surprising place by floating a reunion with Frank Reich as part of a wild comeback scenario for Andrew Luck, though the notion still sits firmly in the realm of long-shot speculation. Luck has not played in years, and while the fit is easy to picture on paper, the broader reality is that a return to the league remains highly unlikely. [Read more 🡒]
Jets Linked To Familiar Quarterback Idea As Backup Anxiety Builds
The Jets have settled on Geno Smith as their Week 1 starter, but the depth chart behind him is still in flux, and that has kept the backup quarterback conversation alive around the team. Bailey Zappe is currently listed as the No. 2, while rookie Cade Klubnik is also in the mix after being drafted, leaving New York with a room that has some experience but not much clarity beyond the starter.
One name drawing attention is Will Levis, who is stuck lower on the Tennessee depth chart and entering the final year of team control. He has starting experience, which is part of what makes him an intriguing fit for a team still weighing its quarterback insurance, even if no trade or roster move has been made and the situation remains one to watch as the Jets sort out their options. [Read more 🡒]