The Jets made the expected move of exercising the fifth-year option on edge rusher Will McDonald on Wednesday.
The team drafted McDonald with the No. 15 overall pick in 2023. He has 21 ½ career sacks and 18 ½ in the last two years. The option is projected to be $13.8 million for the 2027 season.
McDonald, who turns 27 in June, had eight sacks in 2025.
The Jets just drafted David Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick to play opposite McDonald. The team hopes the duo can be a pass-rushing nightmare for opponents.
The team declined the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Mazi Smith. The Cowboys drafted Smith No. 26 overall in 2023 but dealt him to the Jets in the middle of last season as part of the Quinnen Williams trade.
He only appeared in three games for the Jets and is going to have to fight for a roster spot this year.
