With two preseason games remaining, the Jets assess their rookie class, weighing the best signs against the worst as they decide who can contribute this season and who needs development to build for the future, with Cade Klubnik highlighted in the coverage.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn praised Cade Klubnik's first preseason showing but said the backup QB competition remains open, signaling Klubnik could be the Jets' clear backup option.
With Geno Smith sidelined by foot soreness, Jets coach Aaron Glenn explained he split quarterback reps to evaluate all three QBs—Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook—during Friday's preseason opener. Klubnik started and attempted seven passes before being pulled, while Zappe struggled with two interceptions (one returned for a pick-six, the other affected by a drop by Arian Smith). Cook saw extended action late, but the Jets still left Klubnik's QB2 prospects less clear in a missed opportunity to learn more about him.
Jets quarterback Cade Klubnik impressed in his preseason debut against the Buccaneers, completing 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards and showing the moxie, confidence and mobility Glenn noted from his Clemson days; it’s early and still a preseason outing with room to learn.
In the Jets’ 2026 preseason opener vs. the Buccaneers, Cade Klubnik looked solid in a limited stint (5-for-7, 56 yards) before being pulled after two series, signaling a development-focused role rather than a high-stakes audition. Bailey Zappe struggled with decision-making and two interceptions, while Brady Cook offered a few late plays, leaving the QB3 battle unsettled. Isaiah Williams started over Omar Cooper at receiver, with Cooper contributing a 26-yard catch before halftime. The piece also questions the value of preseason and even the number of games, noting the quality dip as depth players occupy more snaps. Overall, Klubnik’s debut was encouraging but inconclusive, and Jets’ QB roles remain fluid.)
Rookie Cade Klubnik started for the Jets in their preseason opener, going 5-of-7 for 56 yards over two series. He connected with Mason Taylor and Garrett Wilson, then Braelon Allen capped the night with a 31-yard TD on Klubnik’s final play, as Geno Smith was scratched pregame with ankle soreness and New York totaled 10 points.
Jets rookie Cade Klubnik has shown strong early signs at rookie minicamp, including accurate throws and leadership, fueling optimism that he could contend for the QB2 role behind Geno Smith, though the sample size is small and preseason will determine his real role.
Jets fans are buying Cade Klubnik hype after minicamp buzz, citing (1) a franchise history of late‑round QB breakthroughs as motivation, (2) Klubnik's high‑ceiling tools—mobility, escapability, and deep passing—and (3) a supportive Jets environment with Geno Smith and a strong young offense designed to develop a QB rather than rush him.
Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, a surprise fourth-round pick for the Jets after a 2025 season marred by injuries and underwhelming results, showed leadership at rookie minicamp and remains confident he can earn the Jets’ starting job behind Geno Smith with strong showings in the offseason program, training camp, and preseason.
At Jets rookie minicamp, Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round pick, showed leadership and poise in live drills, threading throws to Kenyon Sadiq and Malik McClain, buying time in the pocket and reading safeties. He spoke honestly about Clemson's adversity and his 'winner' mindset, underscoring early signs that he could be a long-term answer if his development continues.
Jets rookie minicamp offered a taste of a new offense under Frank Reich with Cade Klubnik taking most QB reps and learning to operate within configured buckets, while edge rusher David Bailey showed versatility to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 and defensive end in a 4-3 alongside Will McDonald. The team is weighing veteran QB options (including Russell Wilson) but has not committed, and other highlights included D’Angelo Ponds’ early impressions, a kicking competition among Krieg, Ferrin and York, and various tryouts and non-rookie veterans in attendance.
The New York Jets traded up 18 spots in the fourth round to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik at No. 110, giving up picks 128 and 140 and receiving a 199 sixth-round pick in return, believing two other teams were targeting Klubnik and that coach Frank Reich was high on his potential. They also moved up later in the sixth to pick guard Anez Cooper, and this move comes as the Jets projected a QB would come off the board on Day 3 after not prioritizing options like Nussmeier. The trade signals a concerted, QB‑focused gamble to land Klubnik as part of a longer-term plan at the position.
The Jets rebuilt with eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft after a 3-14 finish and a trade deadline fire sale that sent Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams for draft capital; the weekend’s surprise was selecting Cade Klubnik at quarterback, prompting questions about how he’ll fit into the team’s long-term plans as head coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey reshape the roster.
The Jets traded up in the fourth round to select Cade Klubnik with the 110th overall pick, adding the Clemson three-year starter to back up Geno Smith, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe. The move also included acquiring the 199th pick from the Bengals while sending 128th and 140th picks to Cincinnati to complete the trade.
Clemson's starting quarterback Cade Klubnik is questionable due to a high-ankle sprain and is likely to miss the game against SMU, with Chris Vizzina expected to make his first career start in his place.