When the New York Jets open their 2026 season, Geno Smith will be under center. But as the Jets look for their quarterback of their future, they're hopeful rookie Cade Klubnik can enter the mix.
New York selected Klubnik in fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 110 overall pick. Head coach Aaron Glenn is excited to get to work with him and see what the quarterback can offer the Jets, via Zack Rosenblatt of the Athletic.
“He’s a really smart man,” Glenn said. “We’re going to push the envelope with (him) and see exactly where he’s at and how he’s going to be able to operate with our offense. He was a guy we targeted, we’re happy that we got him, and look forward to seeing him come training camp.”
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With only Brady Cook in his way, Klubnik may have the inside track to being Smith's backup. If New York struggles again in 2026, they'd be in line to take a quarterback in the 2027 draft. But until then, Klubnik will be viewed as the potential future in New York. He'll at least be one of the players Jets fans are watching most closely throughout the preseason.
The quarterback spent four years at Clemson, appearing in 49 games. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He was twice named MVP of the ACC Championship Game in 2022 and 2024.
Klubnik will have a lot to prove if he wants a long-term role on the Jets. But Glenn was a fan of the quarterback throughout the pre-draft process and is intrigued to see what he can do at the NFL level.
When the New York Jets open their 2026 season, Geno Smith will be under center. But as the Jets look for their quarterback of their future, they're hopeful rookie Cade Klubnik can enter the mix. New York selected Klubnik in fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 110 overall pick.