EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets didn't oblige Will McDonald IV's trade request, but they're planning to satisfy his desire for more playing time.Coach Aaron Glenn, who had a one-hour meeting with the pass rusher Saturday, said Wednesday that McDonald has "earned" a bigger role."Obviously, there's some things that he needs to improve on -- I think he's done an outstanding job of doing that -- so I think we all can look forward to seeing his play time improve because of what he's done," Glenn said. "He's earned the right to be able to do that."Glenn's comments came two days after McDonald's trade request became public. Sources said there was interest in McDonald before Tuesday's trade deadline, but the Jets decided to retain the 2023 first-round pick, who is signed through 2027.McDonald has been frustrated for weeks, and he's been expressing that sentiment to the coaching staff, a source said. He decided enough was enough after playing only 23 of 65 defensive snaps in Sunday's 35-12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs."I just want to clear everything up," McDonald said Wednesday. "There's no hard feelings with the coaches and staff or anybody here. I just want to play, and I just want to help the team win."The Jets (2-7) haven't been winning. They have a four-game losing streak and face the first-place Buffalo Bills (7-1) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.McDonald was an every-down player last season -- he led the team with eight sacks -- but his role changed this season. The Jets switched to a 3-4 front and added three edge players -- David Bailey (No. 2 overall pick), Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai, who has played only three games due to injuries.Glenn said McDonald is a "huge part of what we're doing," but that isn't reflected in his playing time. He has played only 46% of the snaps, mostly on passing downs -- 12th most on defense. He has three sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. A natural edge rusher, he has 24.5 sacks in 56 career games."Every player wants to get on the field, help the team win, so it's not rocket science," McDonald said. "I don't want to make it a big deal as much as the media is making it, because ultimately the goal is to win and help the team."McDonald said he will "trust the coaches" to follow through on their promise for more playing time. Listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, he's undersized and isn't strong against the run -- one of the reasons for limited playing time."His pass rush, I think we all know, is second to none," Glenn said. "He's been in a lot of those situations where he can't rush passer. It's my job to make sure I put him in position to play more because he's improving."In injury news, wide receiver Garrett Wilson returned to practice after missing last week with a concussion. He's expected to play Sunday. Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. reinjured his right ankle, but he practiced on a limited basis and is expected to play. He missed four games early in the season due to a right ankle sprain.
