Do Glenn and Mougey Have Split Priorities With Will McDonald?

It feels safe to say that the Jets have their first obvious difference in priorities between Jets General Manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn.

Over the past few hours, multiple outlets have reported that edge rusher Will McDonald approached the team to request a trade.  Unhappy with his playing time, McDonald reportedly asked coaches what he could do to get on the field more, even offering to play special teams.  Since asking there has been no change, so McDonald made the request.

#Jets pass-rusher Will McDonald IV has informed the team that he wants to be traded, sources say.

McDonald has played sparingly this season and is extremely frustrated with his usage. The former first-rounder wants more opportunities and the team is aware. https://t.co/QCxFC0Ciwn

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 9, 2026

Head coach Aaron Glenn has had little use for the former first-round pick, playing him less than fifty percent of the team’s defensive snaps this season.  This, despite having very few options in terms of ways to get to the quarterback.  With rumors flying of the Jets being offered a day two pick, one would expect Gang Green to pounce.  Landing a top 100 pick for a backup with few little time left on his contract should be a no-brainer.  But apparently not in this case.

My understanding is Will McDonald’s trade request came after he had multiple conversations with the Jets coaches about an increased role on defense. Those desired changes have not occurred, as evidenced by his 24 snaps in Kansas City on Sunday, leading McDonald to seek a fresh start with another team.
McDonald has been particularly frustrated by the fact that other teams have tried to engage the Jets in trade talks with offers in the 2nd round range and the Jets have refused.

— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) November 9, 2026

Aaron Glenn may have no use for Will McDonald this season, but perhaps Darren Mougey believes he may have some use for him next season and beyond.

The Jets GM has to know that Glenn’s days at 1 Jets Drive are done as the head coach has turned out to be one of the worst in Jets history.  His record after just over a season and a half is 5-21, his defense has intercepted just one pass in that span and blowing leads has become a common occurrence.

We may have no idea who the head coach will be next season, but it shouldn’t be Aaron Glenn and Mougey seems to be well aware of that.  So for now, McDonald stays.  If the new head coach can envision a role for the Iowa State product, the Jets have an asset.  If not, expect to see him shipped off before week 1 of the 2027 season.

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