Is Klubnik the future star quarterback of the Jets? Probably not, but the fourth-rounder with 40 games as Clemson's starter shouldn't entirely be discounted, especially late in Superflex rookie-only drafts. Klubnik showed out in 2024 with 36 passing touchdowns, seven rushing touchdowns and an impressive 3,639 yards passing in 14 games with Antonio Williams and Jake Briningstool as his top targets. However, Klubnik and the entire Clemson offense regressed in 2025, leaving the QB with 16 passing scores and four more on the ground, albeit with a not-too-bad 2,943 passing yards in 12 games. Klubnik's size and athleticism aren't significant issues, and his arm strength is just good enough to play on Sundays, but he needs to make better, faster reads as well as play fearlessly in the pocket. Showing such improvement might be hard - he'll be blocked by Geno Smith this year and potentially a first-round rookie next year, meaning Klubnik may never get the chance to play regularly.
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Jets' Cade Klubnik: Encouraging showing in preseason start
Rotowire
Klubnik got the start in Friday's 24-16 preseason loss to the Buccaneers and completed five of seven passes for 56 yards.
Klubnik got the starting nod due to Geno Smith (ankle) being ruled out. Smith's injury isn't believed to be serious, so the veteran QB remains the clear favorite to start for the Jets come Week 1 against the Titans, but Klubnik is making a strong case for the backup role. The Jets scored 10 points on Klubnik's two drives in the game, while neither Bailey Zappe nor Brady Cook led a touchdown drive, and Zappe was picked off twice. Klubnik is likely to feature prominently in the Jets' second preseason game against the Steelers next Friday.
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Jets' Cade Klubnik: No. 2 on unofficial depth chart
Rotowire
Klubnik was named the No. 2 quarterback on the Jets' first unofficial depth chart of training camp, Eric Allen of the team's official site reports.
The fourth-round rookie out of Clemson seems to have the lead in the No. 2 quarterback competition with Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook. Klubnik completed 65.6 percent of his pass attempts for 2,943 yards and a 16:6 TD:INT as a senior for Clemson. As of now, it looks like Klubnik has a good chance of seeing the most snaps among the team's quarterbacks in Friday's preseason opener against the Buccaneers.
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Jets' Cade Klubnik: Back on practice field
Rotowire
Klubnik (back) is participating in Wednesday's training camp practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
Klubnik missed time during spring workouts due to back tightness, but he's now been cleared to resume practicing. The rookie fourth-round pick is competing with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe to earn the No. 2 quarterback gig behind veteran starter Geno Smith.
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Jets' Cade Klubnik: Impressing coaches
Rotowire
Jets coaches have been impressed by the skill set and approach of Klubnik (back) as the rookie enters training camp competing for the No. 2 QB job, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
Klubnik remains a young developmental option behind veteran starter Geno Smith, but it's encouraging to see that he's already drawn praise from quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, offensive coordinator Frank Reich and head coach Aaron Glenn. The Jets coaching staff appears to have confidence in Klubnik's mechanics, and the preseason will be a valuable chance for the rookie fourth-round pick to gather experience. He dealt with back tightness during the final two weeks of spring practices, so he could be eased back into action to kick off training camp.
