Just two weeks ago, we heard Jets defensive end Will McDonald will likely generate external interest as the November 10 trade deadline approaches, and that has proven to be the case. Per Albert Breer of SI.com, New York has received “significant interest” in McDonald’s services, but Gang Green has not budged yet.
Of course, that could soon change. After McDonald enjoyed a 66% snap share in both of the past two seasons, that number is down to 46% in 2026, the second year of the Aaron Glenn regime. The fact that McDonald produced 18.5 sacks over the 2024-25 campaigns and is under club control for a tolerable $13.75MM in 2027 certainly enhances his value for clubs in need of a pass rusher. If the Jets elect to move McDonald, ESPN’s Rich Cimini believes they could expect a fourth- or fifth-round pick in return.
Glenn’s job is reportedly in jeopardy, and as our Sam Robinson recently noted, the fact that Glenn appears to be on shakier ground than GM Darren Mougey could create something of a conflict with respect to the club’s deadline strategy. Indeed, while Glenn is obviously motivated to win as many games as possible, Mougey may be more comfortable taking more of a long-term approach for his 2-5 team.
Cimini confirms as much, though he also echoes prior suggestions that the upcoming deadline will not be as splashy as last season’s, when the Jets moved Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. In fact, Cimini says, New York may simply stand pat.
If the Jets do decide to make a move, Cimini identifies LB Jamien Sherwood, CB Jarvis Brownlee, DT Harrison Phillips, and TEs Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods as players who could be dealt (in addition to McDonald, CB Nahshon Wright, and S Andre Cisco, whose trade candidacy has been discussed previously). One player who will be staying put, however, is WR Garrett Wilson.
A recent report suggested the only way the Jets would consider trading Wilson is if the player himself requested it, and Wilson subsequently reaffirmed his desire to remain with the Jets. Breer says Wilson is not “remotely available,” and pundits like ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero concur.
As Cimini details, Brownlee was benched and fined last week for missing multiple mandatory meetings. Whether that makes the Jets more inclined to trade him remains to be seen, but even if the team makes a move or two, Breer says the club likes its current locker room mix and remains determined to give the current coaching staff the chance to flip the switch on the ‘26 season. Cimini agrees with that sentiment.