The New York Jets have made a somewhat unexpected decision regarding the status of their backup quarterback.
Jets coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Monday that rookie Cade Klubnik will back up Geno Smith this season. The move was made after the Jets released Bailey Zappe over the weekend.
Cade Klubnik will be the #Jets backup QB, Aaron Glenn says.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 31, 2026
“And he’ll do a good job.
A rookie fourth-round pick, Klubnik was not necessarily expected to be able to land the job when preseason started. However, he clearly impressed the Jets during camp, and the team is willing to risk going into the regular season with an unproven rookie as their backup.
Klubnik was viewed as a possible first-round pick prior to the 2025 season, but he struggled at Clemson and quickly fell down draft boards. He later blamed his poor senior season on injuries that hampered him during the year.
During preseason, Klubnik went 21-for-34 for 190 yards with an interception. He showed impressive poise, but also looked as inexperienced as one would expect a rookie to look.
