Will McDonald IV Trade Request Revealed in New NFL Rumors, Top Landing Spots for Jets Star

The New York Jets are in the midst of another disappointing season, and a former first-round pick reportedly wants out.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that defensive end Will McDonald IV informed the Jets that he wants to be traded because he is "extremely frustrated with his usage." However, Rapoport added that the Jets "have not engaged in trade talks" with teams that are interested in acquiring the 2023 No. 15 pick, and they "have no plans to."

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Jets have been offered a Day 2 pick in the past:

The New York Post 's Brian Costello reported why McDonald requested a trade:

"My understanding is Will McDonald's trade request came after he had multiple conversations with the Jets coaches about an increased role on defense," reported Costello. "Those desired changes have not occurred, as evidenced by his 24 snaps in Kansas City on Sunday, leading McDonald to seek a fresh start with another team. McDonald has been particularly frustrated by the fact that other teams have tried to engage the Jets in trade talks with offers in the 2nd round range and the Jets have refused."

Despite New York's apparent unwillingness to trade McDonald, some of his top landing spots could include the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars if the Jets change their mind.

At 2-7, the Jets are barreling toward a second straight lost season under head coach Aaron Glenn and a 16th straight year without a playoff appearance. Frustrations boiled over in Sunday's 35-12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with multiple players seen throwing their helmets in anger during the game.

McDonald has played in all nine of New York's games but has only produced 16 total tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. The 27-year-old has reached the 10-sack mark just once in his four-year NFL career. Rapoport noted that he's unhappy with his role and "wants more opportunities," but he has failed to show improvement despite the addition of 2026 No. 2 pick David Bailey, who leads the team with 7.5 sacks and five forced fumbles as a rookie.

Still, McDonald would be a beneficial addition to teams in need of a pass-rush specialist. It's hard to imagine the Jets trading him within the AFC, but the Jaguars could be desperate enough to improve their subpar defense. Jacksonville already made a major addition by acquiring veteran safety Jessie Bates from the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, so the team could remain aggressive as it tries to solidify itself as one of the top title contenders in the conference.

If the Jets prefer to trade McDonald to an NFC team, their Big Apple counterparts could certainly use a boost. Like the Jags, the Giants are pushing for playoff contention but have just 16 sacks this season, ranking near the bottom of the league. The Cowboys are in a similar boat with just 17 sacks, so they could also use some help with their pass rush.

For now, it sounds like the Jets don't want to give up on McDonald. However, if an offer comes in at the right price, it would be hard for New York to pass up the opportunity to recoup assets in another lost year.