The New York Jets did a fantastic job surrounding defensive end Will McDonald IV with more talent this coming season.
The team selected EDGE David Bailey at No. 2 overall during the 2026 NFL Draft. They also signed veterans Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare in free agency, having totally revamped McDonald's supporting cast.
McDonald led the Jets in sacks last season with eight. He had virtually no secondary support. The Jets' second-best sack leader was defensive tackle Jowon Briggs with just 4.0, half of McDonald's output.
The Jets ranked 31st in sacks with 20.0.
The Jets also have a new defensive coordinator in Brian Duker and head coach Aaron Glenn is taking over as play caller. The secondary has been remade via the arrivals of veterans (Minkah
Fitzpatrick, Nahshon Wright) and rookies (D'Angelo Ponds) alike. In short, the Jets' defense should be so much better in 2026 than it was in 2025.
McDonald possesses every ability required to register another 8+ sacks this coming season. If things go extremely well, the former Iowa State standout could even enjoy the second double-digit sack season of his career, after posting a career-best 10.5 in 2024.
The Jets exercised McDonald's fifth-year contract option earlier this offseason, keeping him signed through 2027. General manager Darren Mougey will eventually think about signing McDonald to an extension, though patience is currently being exercised.
A big-time season in 2026 could move negotiations along.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: How many sacks will Jets DE Will McDonald IV have in 2026?
