Inside what led to Will McDonald’s trade request — and the offer Jets turned down

Will McDonald has asked to leave the New York Jets, frustrated by a smaller role this season. The request puts pressure on the club to reconsider its position with the NFL trade deadline approaching, though coach Aaron Glenn said the Jets would not trade him.

A source confirmed the request on Monday. McDonald, a 2023 first-round pick, has started twice and played 46 per cent of the defensive snaps this season, down from 66 per cent last year; he was below 40 per cent in three games, including Sunday’s loss to Kansas City. The Jets had already turned away trade inquiries, and the deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m.