Jets plan to give Will McDonald IV what he wants after keeping him at trade deadline

The New York Jets rejected Will McDonald IV’s trade request and say the edge rusher has earned more playing time. Coach Aaron Glenn said McDonald has improved and will be given a bigger role, while McDonald said he wants to play and help the team win.

McDonald, a 2023 first-round pick, led the Jets with eight sacks last season but has three sacks this year and has played 46 per cent of defensive snaps, partly because of injuries. He played 24 snaps against the Chiefs on Sunday. The Jets’ additions of David Bailey, Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai have pushed him down the depth chart; Glenn identified McDonald’s pass rush as a strength, while run defence has been a longstanding concern.