Jets coach says team will not sell players ahead of Tuesday deadline

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed on Monday that the team will hold its roster steady through the NFL trade deadline. The deadline expires Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Glenn made the announcement despite the team holding a 2-7 record and entering the weekend with a four-game losing streak. The Jets are one step away from their 16th consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

The decision to stand pat comes after edge rusher Will McDonald IV requested a trade. McDonald expressed frustration over his reduced role on the defensive line. He was selected 16th overall in the 2023 draft by the previous front office. His production has dipped to three sacks this season, down from a career high of 10.5 in 2024. Glenn said he and McDonald had a positive conversation last week and affirmed that the player will remain in New York.

McDonald measures 6-foot-4 and weighs 245 pounds. Glenn noted that this build is smaller than the team's preferred edge rusher profile. The current defensive front includes rookie David Bailey and veterans Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai. Despite the size difference, Glenn insisted that McDonald fits the unit's needs. The coach said the team is in the business of keeping good players.

This patient approach marks a sharp departure from last year's deadline. General manager Darren Mougey previously traded cornerback Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to Dallas. Those moves returned three first-round picks, one second-round pick, and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to New York. While the Jets are not actively shopping players, other teams may call to gauge interest. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall appear safe, though McDonald and cornerback Nahshon Wright could attract offers.

Glenn is also reviewing his game day responsibilities. He took over defensive play-calling duties this season with help from coordinator Brian Duker. He admitted the dual role presents challenges as the defense struggles to stop drives in critical moments. He stated that he is examining all options for improvement. In the most recent game against Kansas City, the Jets ran 32 plays in the red zone but scored only three field goals. They failed to reach the end zone despite spending 25 of those plays in the first half inside the 4-yard line.

Rookie David Bailey returned from a groin injury to record two sacks, six quarterback pressures, nine tackles, and two forced fumbles. His performance lifted his season total to 7.5 sacks. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, who caught seven passes for 142 yards and a touchdown last week, was held without a catch on seven targets. He also dropped two passes. Running back Breece Hall returned from a quadriceps injury to gain 61 yards on 15 carries. The Jets host Buffalo on Sunday and aim to avoid a five-game losing streak for the first time since last season's final five games.