Placing a star defensive player on IR ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the New England Patriots was always going to raise eyebrows. With a 3-12 record, the New York Jets‘ focus over the last two games will be on the position of their picks for the 2026 NFL draft. Now, after placing star defensive end Will McDonald IV on season-ending injured reserve, head coach Aaron Glenn has to make a major decision about his future.

In May, the Jets will have to decide whether to pick up the pass rusher’s fifth-year option ahead of his fourth NFL season. Although the 26-year-old has led the Jets in sacks for a second straight season, picking up the $15 million fifth-year option remains debatable based on his streaky performance this year. The defensive end has been far less impactful this season, with his struggles against the run forcing Aaron Glenn to utilize him only on passing downs.

The metrics confirm that Will McDonald IV has regressed into a one-dimensional specialist. Despite leading the team with eight sacks, half of these QB hits came in a single Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns. Hence, his 41.4 PFF run-defense grade, which is ranked 110th out of 112 edge rushers, highlights his liability on early downs. This lack of versatility has forced Aaron Glenn to limit McDonald’s snaps, and with the recent firing of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, the former first-round pick now finds himself fighting for his future.

Now coming back to the upcoming game against the New England Patriots, the Jets will be without LB Kiko Mauigoa (shoulder) and DL Jay Tufele (ankle), who have also been placed on the injury reserve. Similarly, TE Mason Taylor will also miss his third straight game as he is dealing with a neck injury. With this long injury list, head coach Aaron Glenn is set to lean on his young players to perform at MetLife Stadium.

Aaron Glenn addresses Jets’ young secondary ahead of Week 17 matchup

With the divisional leaders, the New England Patriots, in town, head coach Aaron Glenn has paid close attention to the Jets’ young secondary, which was tormented last week by the Saints. Playing at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, New York suffered a 29-6 defeat, marking their 13th loss of the season.

However, against the Patriots, undrafted rookies Jordan Clark and Dean Clark will see time at safety along with rookie safety Malachi Moore. Similarly, second-year cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers, who has only proven himself on special teams, will also receive more reps on defense.

“For those three rookies to go out there and get as many reps as they’ve been getting, it’s been huge for us to see exactly where they are,” Glenn said. “And not just that, even with Stiggs, Stiggs going out and starting at corner for us for the last couple of games, we can see exactly where he’s at. I think he’s been doing a really good job for us.”

Top Stories

Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones Sharply Criticizes Matt Eberflus After Coach’s Concerning Admission

Cowboys’ George Pickens Turns Down Jerry Jones Contract Decision Already as Dak Prescott Offers Advice

Sean Payton Announces Retirement Plans as Broncos HC Demands Improvement From Bo Nix & Co. Before Playoffs

Raiders Coach Wants Travis Kelce to Play Terrible in His Last Game for Chiefs

Cam Heyward Breaks Silence on Shedeur Sanders Incident as Steelers DL Awaits NFL Punishment

With another disappointing season in the books, Aaron Glenn would hope to finish the season with some positives and then continue with the rebuild through the upcoming draft in April.