Will McDonald IV finds himself in a familiar yet uncertain position as the New York Jets navigate the 2026 season. Despite being a first-round pick in 2023 and showing flashes of potential, including 10.5 sacks in 2024 and four sacks in a single game against the Browns last season, McDonald's role within the Jets' defense remains a subject of speculation.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in McDonald, stating, "I envision him being a good player for us. And whatever capacity that we're going to have him in, I feel like he's going to be a good player for us." However, this sentiment does little to clarify his specific responsibilities on a defensive unit undergoing significant changes.
Mcdonald, who stands at 27 years old and is entering his fourth NFL season, has added weight this offseason, reaching 240 pounds under the guidance of Glenn. This physical adjustment is intended to bolster his run defense, an area previously identified as a weakness. "Pass rushing has always been his wheelhouse," Glenn said. "And I think you guys know, I know, he knows that his improvement has been the run game. Listen, he came in this year, he's 240 pounds, he looks really good... He took it upon himself to understand, have awareness of where [he would] have to improve at, and I have no doubt in my mind he's going to get better in that aspect."
Mcdonald himself confirmed his offseason focus on nutrition and weight gain. "I bulked up a little bit," McDonald said. "Obviously, I'm going to use that in the run game. Obviously, there's room for improvement in my run game, so that's another thing that's really big on."
The addition of new edge rushers, including first-round draft pick David Bailey and free agent signings Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, further complicates McDonald's path to a prominent role. Glenn's preference for larger defensive linemen, evident in the team's offseason acquisitions, contrasts with McDonald's speed-based game as a smaller edge rusher. While the Jets anticipate a rotation at the position, McDonald's exact share of snaps is still undetermined.
Mcdonald, however, stated that the new additions do not diminish his sense of belonging. "No, not really," McDonald said when asked if the new players made him question his fit. "The scheme of the defense is to get like help. Those are really good guys, good run defenders, good pass rushers. There's things that I learn off of them. There's things they learn off of me. I just think having those guys in the room helps me, helps the rookies and helps everybody else around."
With the Jets having traded Jermaine Johnson to the Titans in the offseason, McDonald has witnessed firsthand the business side of the NFL. Although the team reportedly rejected trade inquiries about him last season, it is possible they might consider offers this year. The team exercised his fifth-year option for 2027, but his future with the team beyond the current season remains a point of discussion.
Injuries to Ossai and Enagbare have recently opened up more practice repetitions for McDonald, providing him with an opportunity to solidify his place in the defense and demonstrate his value to the coaching staff. It is also possible he could be utilized as a situational pass rush specialist, particularly on passing downs.
Mcdonald acknowledged the benefit of playing alongside new teammates like Bailey, noting that they are learning from each other. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for McDonald to make the most of his reps and prove he deserves a significant role in the Jets' defense.