New Jets Rumors on Will McDonald IV Trade Stance Amid Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson Buzz

Amid a 2-6 start for the New York Jets, Will McDonald IV's status leading up to the trade deadline is being monitored by opposing teams.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, even though the Jets "do not plan" on trading McDonald right now, teams looking for pass-rush help might "make an attractive offer" if they miss out on another player at that spot before the Nov. 10 deadline.

Despite being on pace for their 11th consecutive losing season, the Jets are actually in a great position to not do anything at the trade deadline and still be fine going forward.

Garrett Wilson was a name that had been popping up in trade rumors, but there's no indication the Jets are looking to move their star wide receiver. A Breece Hall trade hasn't been as forcefully dismissed as Wilson, but it still seems like a long shot.

The primary reason for optimism around the Jets right now is the 2027 draft in which they will have three first-round picks. Based on the current standings, all three of those selections are in the top 10, starting at No. 4 with the pick they are owed from the Indianapolis Colts from the Sauce Gardner trade.

New York seems to have prioritized players like Wilson and Hall as long-term building blocks by signing both players to contract extensions. Wilson is under contract through the 2030 season; Hall is signed through 2028.

McDonald, a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, has not received an extension despite being eligible to sign one since after last season. The Jets did pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract that will keep him under team control through 2027.

While McDonald has not developed into a star player, he is a solid rotational pass-rusher. The 27-year-old has 53 quarterback hits, 27 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks in 55 career games.

Given the current trade market for pass-rushers is largely centered around an older player like Khalil Mack or an expensive player like Josh Sweat, who still has two more years remaining on his four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, someone like McDonald could be a solid alternative because of his age and lack of a long-term financial commitment.