The Jets are heading into the trade deadline with a decision to make, and the name sitting at the center of it is Will McDonald IV.
New York’s 2-6 start has pushed the team toward seller territory, with Tuesday’s deadline looming and a Sunday matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs still to come. The Jets could easily be sitting at 2-7 by the time the deadline passes, which would make this a logical moment to move players who may not be part of the long-term plan.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano said they do not believe running back Breece Hall is available. Even so, the Jets are still expected to keep trying to win games the rest of the way, something that would matter for the locker room as the organization looks ahead to the 2027 season.
One player who could be dealt is McDonald. Graziano said New York would be open to moving the 2023 first-round pick if the right offer comes along. That would make him a realistic target for a contender in need of edge help, especially with McDonald set to play next season on the $14.475 million fifth-year option.
McDonald broke through in a big way in 2024, posting 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in Year 2. This season, though, he has not been a strong fit in Aaron Glenn’s system. Through eight games, he has 14 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble, and his role has been limited enough that the Jets should at least listen if teams call.
Across his career, McDonald has 24.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. That production, plus his age and upside, should give New York a chance to draw interest if it wants to turn him into more draft capital before Tuesday.
The Jets already made major deadline moves last year, sending defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Those deals brought back three first-round picks and a second-round pick.
Now the team is positioned well for the 2027 draft, with three picks currently slated to land inside the top 10. That gives New York a chance to keep building for what comes next, even as it tries to stay competitive in the present.
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