A day before the NFL trade deadline, the Jets have a pass rusher who would rather be somewhere else. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Will McDonald IV has told the team he wants to be traded, and that the Jets are aware of the request. The news came hours after a 35–12 loss at Kansas City dropped the team to 2–7.
NFL Network reported on November 9 that Jets edge rusher Will McDonald IV has asked the team to trade him, ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. The report cites unnamed sources; the Jets and McDonald have not commented. ESPN had previously reported the Jets did not plan to trade him.
What exactly was reported?
Rapoport reported that McDonald “has informed the team that he wants to be traded, sources say,” and that New York “is aware of his request.” That is the extent of it. The report is sourced to unnamed people rather than to the club or McDonald, and no one has confirmed or disputed it on the record. Several outlets have carried it, including NBC Sports, each attributing it to Rapoport.
How does this square with what the Jets had said?
It does not, which is what makes it a story. Listing McDonald among the names circulating before the deadline, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote: “I was told the Jets do not plan to trade McDonald.” That and Monday’s request point in opposite directions, and the team has a day to decide whether a player’s wish to leave changes a plan it had reportedly settled.
Why would McDonald want a trade?
No reason has been reported, and it is worth being plain about that. The context on the record is role: McDonald has given ground in the pass-rush rotation to David Bailey, a shift we covered when outside interest in him first surfaced in October. Bailey was the Jets’ most effective defender again on Sunday, forcing two fumbles on one Chiefs drive and sacking Patrick Mahomes to force another.
What can the Jets actually do before Tuesday?
Very little, and only before 4:00 p.m. ET. After the cutoff, nothing moves until the league year turns over; our guide explains how the NFL trade deadline works. A trade request carries no contractual weight, so the Jets can keep him.
Does this change the rest of the Jets’ deadline?
Not by the reporting to date. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported the Jets’ deadline goal is to “keep an eye on the future” — not expecting to be particularly active, but open to a deal returning a draft pick or a 2027 contributor, with defensive tackle the most immediate need. A source told Adam Schefter there is “no way” the Jets move Garrett Wilson or Breece Hall. Sunday’s 35–12 loss at Arrowhead did not strengthen the case for standing still; the rest of our coverage is on the Jets analysis hub.
Frequently asked questions
Has Will McDonald IV requested a trade from the Jets?
That is what has been reported. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on November 9, 2026, that McDonald informed the team he wants to be traded and that the Jets are aware of the request. Neither the club nor McDonald has commented publicly.
When is the 2026 NFL trade deadline?
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET. After that cutoff, teams can add players only through the waiver wire and free agency.
Why would McDonald want out?
No reason has been reported. On the record, his pass-rushing role has narrowed this season as David Bailey has taken on more of the work.
Were the Jets planning to trade him?
No. Before the request was reported, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote: “I was told the Jets do not plan to trade McDonald.”
Does this change the Jets’ broader deadline posture?
Not on the reporting so far. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported the Jets’ deadline goal is to “keep an eye on the future,” and a source told Adam Schefter there is “no way” the Jets move Garrett Wilson or Breece Hall.
What happens if no trade is made?
McDonald stays on the roster for the rest of the season. A trade request carries no contractual force.