The New York Jets are a dismal 2-6 right now, and you know what? Opposing teams are absolutely circling Will McDonald IV like sharks, eyeing him up before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Even with this team on pace for their eleventh straight losing season, the word out there, from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, is that the Jets “do not plan” on trading McDonald right now. Seriously? With that record, and what else they’ve got cooking, that’s a head-scratcher.
McDonald: A “Solid” Holdout in a Hungry Market
So, why the hesitancy with McDonald? This isn’t a superstar we’re talking about, even though he was a first-round pick back in 2023. He’s described as a “solid rotational pass-rusher,” not a game-wrecker. In 55 career games, the 27-year-old has put up 53 quarterback hits, 27 tackles for loss, and 24.5 sacks. Decent numbers for sure, but not exactly lighting the league on fire, right? He hasn’t even sniffed a contract extension despite being eligible since last season. They did pick up his fifth-year option, so he’s under team control through 2027.
But here’s the kicker: the current pass-rusher market is pretty thin. You’ve got older guys like Khalil Mack or super expensive players like Josh Sweat, who’s still got two more years on a massive $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. McDonald, with his age and lack of a giant long-term financial commitment, could be a serious alternative for teams desperate for help. You’d think the Jets would be all over an “attractive offer” if one landed.
The 2027 Draft and Locked-Up Talent: The Real Strategy?
Here’s where things get really wild. Despite being 2-6, the Jets are in a secretly awesome position. Why? The 2027 draft. This team is sitting on three, count ’em, *three* first-round picks. Based on current standings, all three of those selections are in the top 10, including the No. 4 overall pick they’re getting from the Indianapolis Colts via the Sauce Gardner trade. That’s a ridiculous amount of future capital.
Maybe that’s why they’re playing hardball with McDonald. They’ve already committed big to other young talent. Star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, whose name was floating around in trade rumors, is absolutely off the table, locked up through the 2030 season. Running back Breece Hall’s trade rumors weren’t as forcefully dismissed, but it still sounds like a long shot, with him signed through 2028. Both of those guys are seen as “long-term building blocks” and got those extensions. So, while they’re losing now, they’re clearly building for a future that looks stacked with draft picks and foundational players.
So, the Jets are 2-6, facing the trade deadline on Nov. 10, and holding onto a rotational pass-rusher who teams are calling about, all while knowing they’ve got an absolute haul of top-tier draft picks coming in 2027. What exactly are they doing? Are they really going to ride out this losing season and keep McDonald, or will an irresistible offer finally make them crack before the buzzer? We’ll find out soon enough.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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