The NFL’s trade deadline has come and gone, and the New York Jets were relatively quiet.
Their only move was trading safety Andre Cisco to the Detroit Lions for a 2029 sixth-round pick. The spotlight briefly fell on Will McDonald, among others.
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The fourth-year edge rusher expressed that he desired to be traded, but no deal materialized, meaning he’s still part of New York’s roster. Now, both sides must figure out what comes next. One day after the deadline passed, head coach Aaron Glenn spoke with the media and was asked what separates him from the players currently receiving more playing time.
Glenn’s response offered an encouraging indication of how he views the situation, particularly after acknowledging that the pass rusher has made the necessary improvements. He didn’t disclose the private conversations he has had with McDonald, but he made one thing clear:
The player’s pass-rushing ability has never been the question. The head coach believes he has earned more opportunities.
“Well, that’s not just because of pass rush at all. I think I understand what you’re asking… I’m gonna keep those conversations between Will and me [private], as far as what he had to improve on. And again, he’s done that, but his pass rush,” Glenn said. {I think we all know, is second to none, and he’s been in a lot of those situations where he can rush the passer. It’s just my job to make sure I put him in a position to play more because he is improving, and I’ve always said this, that you earn the right to play. And he’s done that.”
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Glenn’s comments suggest McDonald’s path to a larger role is no longer about convincing the coaching staff that he can rush the passer. The former specifically acknowledged that there were other areas requiring improvement, but he believes McDonald has addressed those concerns. McDonald addressed the situation once he had his time with the media.
“I just want to play and I just want to help the team win,” McDonald said.
Distinctions matter because it indicates the player has made progress beyond the one skill that has always stood out. The most significant part of Glenn’s response was his willingness to accept responsibility for getting McDonald more playing time.
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Rather than placing the burden entirely on the player, Glenn said it is his job to put the improving pass rusher in position to contribute. After the trade request and an unsuccessful attempt to find a new home, that is a meaningful public statement about the direction of their working relationship.
Now the attention shifts from Glenn’s words to how the Jets use McDonald on Sundays. If the coach believes he has earned more opportunities, the next step is making sure those opportunities show up on the field.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets’ Aaron Glenn shares Will McDonald plans, player responds to not being traded
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
