Cowboys Scramble to Address Pass Rush
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to the trade market to address a struggling defense following a difficult start to the 2026 season. With the November 10 trade deadline looming, the team has set its sights on New York Jets edge rusher Will McDonald IV.
The move comes as the Cowboys’ primary edge rushers have managed a meager 2.5 sacks through the first six games. Despite a massive offseason roster overhaul, the defensive front has failed to meet expectations, forcing the franchise to hunt for a spark to salvage the 2026 campaign and look toward 2027.
The Economics of a New York Departure
The Jets’ roster architecture makes McDonald a logical candidate for a move. New York invested heavily in defensive depth this offseason, signing Joseph Ossai, David Bailey, and Kingsley Enagbare. This influx of talent has squeezed McDonald’s snap counts, even as he remains productive.
NFL analyst Daniel Popper of The Athletic points to the emergence of rookie David Bailey as a factor that could facilitate a deal. While Ossai is currently managing an ankle injury, the Jets’ remaining depth gives them the leverage to seek draft capital for a rebuild. McDonald’s contract status—with only one year remaining after 2026—further incentivizes the Jets to trade the 2023 first-round pick now rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Proven Production on Limited Snaps
McDonald has been a consistent force over the last two seasons, racking up 18.5 sacks across 32 games. He hit a career-high 10.5 sacks in 2024, followed by an eight-sack performance in 2025, even after missing two games due to injury. In the current 2026 season, he has logged two sacks while playing 47% of defensive snaps.
Beyond the raw numbers, scouts describe him as a “twitchy” rusher. Reports from The Athletic, as cited by SI.com, highlight his diverse attack, specifically noting his effective use of an inside spin move.
The Clock is Ticking
For Dallas, the urgency is clear. The team is desperate to bolster a pass rush that has been largely invisible through the first six weeks. Whether the Cowboys can finalize a deal with New York before the November 10 deadline will determine if they can turn their season around or if they are forced to focus entirely on future draft assets.
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