Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, will go down as a historic day for the New York Jets. However, it’s up to them whether that becomes infamy or success. Last week, general manager Darren Mougey decided to trade away two franchise defensive players at the deadline. The first caused shockwaves around the league, sending star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. Only to be followed by sending long tenured defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. While the resulting trades gained the Jets three first-round draft picks and more, it left a massive hole on defense. The team needed someone to step up and claim that spot of being an unapologetic game wrecker. The Jets may have found that in edge rusher Will McDonald IV.
Arriving on the team after being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Will McDonald was an investment that was met with criticism at the time. As of now, he’s still a work in progress as a run defender. However, after a four-sack game on Sunday vs. the Cleveland Browns, the young defensive lineman looks ready to be the game-changing pass rusher ex-GM Joe Douglas thought he could be when he was drafted.
Will McDonald IV 4 SCK, 5 QBH, 4 TFL vs CLE Today. https://t.co/BU4Oe9q6sP pic.twitter.com/DVyxrTMUXT
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) November 9, 2025
Will McDonald Is Now a Focal Point in the New Jets Defense
Halfway through the season, the New York Jets are navigating the waters of yet another rebuild. Led by former cornerback turned head coach Aaron Glenn, the team was off to a 0-7 start to the season. Despite producing a top-five running game, the team has struggled to find any rhythm in the passing game when led by quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. As for the defense, it’s also an interesting balancing act. Despite their struggles to stop the run this year, New York has surprisingly allowed the eighth fewest passing yards per game. When accounting for the time Sauce Gardner has missed and the slow start for cornerback Brandon Stephens(who has turned it around since Week 3), it’s a credit to the work Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have put in despite their record.
Browns Outplay the Jets Everywhere Except Special Teams and Quarterback — and Lose Anyway
Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
However, after trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, the team needed someone to step up. Thankfully, they got an impactful performance from Will McDonald IV. Drafted 15th overall in 2023, McDonald was a lanky but explosive pass rusher with plenty of college experience. Despite the unfortunate 2024 season for the team as a whole, Will McDonald capitalized during this time. During his second season, McDonald finished the year with 10.5 sacks, tied for the 12th most in the league. Along with Jonathan Cooper of the Denver Broncos and Travon Walker of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even though he is still growing, the tape shows that the Jets have a foundational piece on the defensive line.
Will McDonald Becomes the Third Jet With Four Sacks in a Single Game
It was a rainy and emotional day at MetLife Stadium. Fans were embracing one another and sharing in their grief after the loss of beloved veteran center Nick Mangold at only 41 years old. In addition, the first home game since the trade deadline. It was a stage set for a big-time performance. Thankfully, Will McDonald answered the call.
Will McDonald IV, defensive end, New York Jets
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) gets a pass off while being rushed by New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
In Sunday’s win vs. the Cleveland Browns, the Jets defense needed every stop they could get after their offense couldn’t throw beyond the sticks. Inspired by the outpouring of support, fans delighted in seeing Will McDonald in action. Through patience and strength, McDonald tore through Cleveland’s offensive line for four sacks on rookie quarterback Dillon Gabiriel. Of those four, three came within the second quarter alone. As a result, the Jets got just enough breaks to allow for running back Breece Hall to control the clock on offense.
A Spot in Franchise History
Due to this performance, McDonald became the first Jet in 24 years to record four sacks in a game. He’s the first since Jonathan Abram in 2001, and two four-sack games from team legend Mark Gastineau in 1983 and 1984, respectively. Thus far, McDonald has seven sacks in the 2025 season. Between this season and 2024, the former Iowa State Cyclones edge rusher has 17.5 sacks in his last 26 games.
Understandably, there are limitations to his game. With only 20 total tackles on the season, McDonald has to find a way to stop the running game more. But, as a pass rusher, he’s shown to have great prowess. Between him and Jermaine Johnson, Darren Mougey has a duo on the edge that can contribute. If New York can find two young defensive tackles to mesh with them, Aaron Glenn can expect a much better front seven in 2026.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Imagn Images