The Atlanta Falcons have been linkd to New York Jets edge rusher Will McDonald IV ahead of the NFL trade deadline tomorrow, and his connection to Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich makes him an interesting name to watch.
Because even at 3-6 and fresh off of a blowout loss to the Bengals in Week 9, some long-term upgrades could be in the cards. Atlanta is just one game back of the NFC South lead, and though the schedule across the next month is tough, all they have to do is stay afloat until the final three weeks.
McDonald, whom the Jets selected 15th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, enjoyed his best season under Ulbrich in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks. However, his role has since decreased under head coach Aaron Glenn, raising questions about his future in New York.
Now, with Atlanta dealing with injuries and uncertainty along its defensive front, multiple NFL reporters have identified the Falcons as a possible destination for the former first-round pick. And with the deadline looming, the possibility of a reunion is worth watching.
Would the Atlanta Falcons be able to entice the Jets into a Will McDonald trade?
Through eight games in 2026, Will McDonald IV has recorded 14 tackles and three sacks while starting just twice. New York has also added several pass rushers, including rookie No. 2 overall pick David Bailey, leaving McDonald with a much smaller role in the defense.
That change could lead him to the Atlanta Falcons as pointed out by ESPN’s Rich Cimini. And honestly, the fit makes sense. Ulbrich already knows how to use McDonald effectively, and the Falcons could certainly benefit from adding another proven edge rusher to their rotation
The Dirty Birds finished second in the NFL with a franchise record 57 sacks in 2025, but injuries and suspensions have made it difficult to maintain that same level of production this season.
Jalon Walker suffered a torn ACL during training camp, while James Pearce Jr., who led Atlanta with 10.5 sacks last season, just returned from an eight-game suspension. Still Walker's absence leaves the Falcons without one of their most promising young defenders for the remainder of the season.
McDonald wouldn't necessarily solve every problem along the Atlanta Falcons defensive line, but adding a player who produced 18.5 sacks across the previous two seasons would give Ulbrich another legitimate pass rushing option.
Jets are reportedly hesitant to trade Will McDonald IV (but shouldn't be)
Of course, there's one major problem with the idea of Will McDonald IV landing in Atlanta. The Jets apparently aren't too eager to trade him. That leaves the Atlanta Falcons in an interesting position because it would probably cost quite a pretty penny. But McDonald himself did request a trade on Monday because he's frustrated with his role.
Still, he has already proven he can produce at a high level in Ulbrich's defense, and the 27-year-old could potentially help Atlanta beyond this season since he has a fifth-year option that was picked up--and that could be more if they're willing to sign him to a long-term contract extension.
Whether the Falcons are willing to make that investment remains unclear. There has been no confirmed report that Atlanta has submitted an offer or entered negotiations with New York.
For now, Will McDonald remains an intriguing possibility rather than an imminent acquisition. But if the 2-7 Jets reconsider their stance and debate dealing him at the right prce, Atlanta has a familiar connection that could make the conversation worthwhile.
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