Jets QB Cade Klubnik in 'Open Competition' Before Rookie Season

Once viewed as a top quarterback prospect, Cade Klubnik was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He finished his time with the Clemson Tigers throwing for 10,123 yards, 73 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He also rushed for 878 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Klubnik joins a rebuilding Jets team that has shaken up its quarterback room. After acquiring Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders, New York shipped off Justin Fields to the Kansas City Chiefs.

They're looking for more stability after three different quarterbacks started games last season. While Smith is expected to be the Week 1 starter, there's a battle brewing behind him that involves Klubnik.

Beginning their OTA offseason workouts on Wednesday, the Jets have four quarterbacks on their roster. That includes Smith, Klubnik, Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook. With Smith as the starter, head coach Aaron Glenn revealed that the backup spot has not been decided.

"It is an open competition," Glenn said. "I mean, obviously, Geno's our one and Bailey, he was our two, but that can change as we go through these practices, but that's how we started out yesterday."

The Jets have regularly relied on their backups. Since 2015, New York has had a quarterback start each regular-season game just twice. First with Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2015 and second with Aaron Rodgers in 2024.

Last season for the Raiders, Smith threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. If he once again struggles, there is a path for Klubnik to earn serious playing time if he wins the QB2 battle.

Glenn and his staff are ready to get the most out of Klubnik, previously saying they will "push the envelope," according to the team's senior reporter Eric Allen.

With the Jets' first preseason matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 14, there's plenty of time for Klubnik to separate himself in the competition before in-game action.

Related: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Receives Major Off-Field Recognition for Impact Beyond the NFL

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:25 PM.