Will McDonald IV has officially asked for a trade from the New York Jets after playing only 24 snaps in a recent game against Kansas City. The Chicago Bears are now looking at a chance to add a pass-rusher without spending the high draft capital they used on other big moves this year.
“My understanding is Will McDonald’s trade request came after he had multiple conversations with the Jets coaches about an increased role on defense,” Costello wrote, according to Heavy.com. McDonald sought a fresh start with another team after those desired changes failed to materialize, a point underscored by his 24 snaps in Kansas City on Sunday.
Why the Bears Can Make This Deal
The Bears already spent two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder to get defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. That deal leaves the team with very little draft power for the 2027 class. Paying a second-round pick for an edge rusher would be too expensive right now. However, reports suggest the Jets have refused offers in the 2nd-round range, which means they might settle for less.
Costello continued, noting that McDonald has been especially frustrated because other teams offered in the 2nd-round range to engage the Jets in trade talks, yet the Jets refused. The Bears could offer a fifth-round pick, which matches what they might pay for veteran Khalil Mack. Mack is 35 and on a one-year deal, making him a cheap rental. But McDonald is younger and fits the long-term plan better if the price is right.
The Secondary Needs Help More
While adding a pass-rusher is nice, the Bears have a bigger problem in their secondary that needs fixing now. General manager Ryan Poles must look at cornerbacks who can help immediately. Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton is one name worth considering because he is on his last year of contract.
“He’s in the final year of his contract and making almost $10 million this season,” Graziano wrote, according to Heavy.com. “The Chiefs could free up some money with a move like this to bring in help for their lackluster offense.” A sixth-round selection would be an interesting starting point for negotiations, although Kansas City hasn’t publicly established an asking price.
The New York Jets have a prior connection to Chicago cornerback Nahshon Wright, who served as a Pro Bowl alternate for the Bears in 2025. Brendan Sugrue of Bears Wire stated that Wright would “welcome a trade” back to Chicago should the Jets decide to move him before the deadline and cut their losses. A late-round pick swap could work for a low-cost price tag, but anything more might be too much for a player who has struggled in coverage this season.
The trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 10, giving the front office just one day to act on these opportunities.
