Cade Klubnik, quarterback, New York Jets
Cade Klubnik, quarterback, New York Jets
Cade Klubnik’s rookie season officially kicked off in an unexpected twist. On Friday, the New York Jets began their preseason schedule at MetLife Stadium in a matchup with the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a hectic Tuesday practice filled with scuffles, it was a pretty composed game between the two teams. But there was still drama before kickoff, though not how you’d expect. Just before kickoff, it was reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that the Jets would sit starting quarterback Geno Smith, who is dealing with a minor ankle injury. This meant that the fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik would start in Smith’s place.
#Jets QB Geno Smith will not play tonight against the #Buccaneers because of foot soreness, source says. It’s nothing the team is concerned about and if this was a regular-season game, he’d be a go. But for now, a cautionary route for the team. pic.twitter.com/j9ZRT6Py4N
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 14, 2026
After arriving from Clemson as the 110th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, rookie Cade Klubnik spent training camp competing with second-year undrafted free agent Brady Cook and fifth-year veteran journeyman Bailey Zappe for the backup job behind Geno Smith. Thus far, the rookie has been firmly ahead of his veteran counterparts in practice. Once the game kicked off, it was clear why the Jets have so much belief in Cade Klubnik.
Despite the Jets’ 24-16 loss, Cade Klubnik was not responsible for the outcome. In fact, Klubnik had only two drives in the first quarter before being replaced by Zappe. However, while the snaps were limited (and most of Tampa’s starters on defense didn’t play), Klubnik looked poised with New York’s starting offense and confident in his first taste of NFL playing time.
The New York Jets kicked off their preseason facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a rematch between the two teams after their exciting Week 3 matchup last season in which the Buccaneers defeated the Jets, 29-27. However, this matchup featured major changes for both teams. Entering the 2026 season, the Jets completely remade their defense with eight new starters and a new defensive coordinator, Brian Duker, to aid in Aaron Glenn’s revitalization of the unit. As for Tampa Bay, this will be the first season since 2012 without franchise wide receiver Mike Evans, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers.
While many were looking forward to seeing all the offensive starters active for the Jets, New York announced right before kickoff that new starting quarterback Geno Smith would sit out as a precaution for a minor ankle injury. As a result, rookie Cade Klubnik led the starting offense in Friday’s game. Despite playing only two drives, the rookie looked like the most composed player compared to his veteran competition throughout training camp.
Cade Klubnik flashed potential in first start
Every Cade Klubnik completion vs the Bucs
5/7 for 56 yards. pic.twitter.com/fINE86R2SX
— Shane (@SullyJN_) August 15, 2026
While many would understandably be overwhelmed jumping into the starting role like this, Cade Klubnik didn’t back away from the challenge. With his family in the crowd, Klubnik played the entirety of the first quarter. Through two drives, the rookie quarterback finished the day completing five of seven passes for 56 yards, while taking one sack for a loss of two yards. During those drives, Klubnik stayed composed in the pocket and didn’t force throws. He flashed some great chemistry with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and second-year tight end Mason Taylor.
Cade Klubunik, quarterback, New York Jets
New York Jets quarterback Cade Klubnik (10) practices his throws during a practice for the New York Jets at their training facility on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Florham Park. Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The biggest mark of approval came with ending both drives with points. In his first drive, the rookie led the starting offense on a 12-play, 65-yard drive over six minutes that resulted in a 27-yard field goal from Cade York. Klubnik capped his day off with a four-play, 48-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard touchdown run by running back Braelon Allen. Klubnik even found 30th overall pick wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. for a quick gain on his final pass of the day.
Offense struggled after Cade Klubnik was taken out
With limited playing time, it was hard for fans to watch the rest of the game once Klubnik was removed. The remainder of the game saw the Jets offense led by journeyman backup Bailey Zappe and last season’s third-string quarterback Brady Cook. The game fell apart for New York after Zappe was intercepted twice on back-to-back drives in the first quarter. Buccaneers cornerback Ayden Garnes broke up a pass intended for tight end Jelani Woods, that got returned for a 47-yard touchdown that tied the game at ten points each. The following drive, Buccaneers second-year safety Rashad Wisdom corralled a high pass intended for Arian Smith for Tampa Bay’s second turnover of the game.
Oh no Bailey Zappe… 😬
(via: @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/NA3GgfcuRF
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 15, 2026
However, Zappe helped lead the final drive of the second quarter in a ten-play, 54-yard drive that ended in a 38-yard Cade York field goal to give the Jets a 13-10 lead heading into halftime. After a three-and-out drive to start the third quarter, Bailey Zappe’s day was done. The 2022 fourth-round pick finished the game going six-of-ten for 56 yards with two interceptions and two sacks for a loss of 16 yards.
For the remainder of the game, Brady Cook led the offense on New York’s final four drives. Cook finished the game going nine-of-15 for 108 yards with no turnovers and an eight-yard sack. Compared to last season, Cook looked more composed in the pocket. However, the Jets could only manage to convert on a 47-yard field goal from Jason Sanders as their only points of the second half. Meanwhile, undrafted free agent quarterback Jalon Daniels was surgical after replacing Buccaneers starter Connor Bazelak. Daniels led two drives, taking over 14 combined minutes of game time that ended with Tampa Bay touchdowns each.
Cade Klubnik frontrunner for the backup job, but larger questions loom
Overall, while having the advantage of playing with the starters and second string, Cade Klubnik looked like the best New York Jets quarterback on the field. The fourth-round rookie flashed the potential he routinely showcased at Clemson over four seasons. If Klubnik can continue to perform like this in the final two games, there’s little to no reason he can’t enter the regular season as Geno Smith’s backup.
However, while Klubnik performed well, a bigger issue is beginning to surface. While New York remained steadfast in giving Klubnik every opportunity to earn the backup job, his veteran counterparts give little to be confident if both Smith and Klubnik are unable to perform. General manager Darren Mougey has done well retooling the offense by trading for Geno Smith and using premier draft picks on explosive wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr and tight end Kenyon Sadiq to elevate the team’s receiving options.
Alas, it won’t amount to much should Smith or Klubnik get hurt during the season. Neither Zappe nor Cook provides much confidence if either guy has to check in during the regular season. There is still time for Mougey to evaluate alternative veteran backup options. However, the quarterback market is very thin at this point. The New York Jets will have to get creative if they want to bolster the quarterback room behind Smith and Klubnik heading into their season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – Reuters Connect