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Jets Trade Up to Draft Clemson QB Cade Klubnik

4/25/2026

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Summary

Jets Draft Klubnik

Jets drafted Clemson QB Cade Klubnik No. 110 overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
GM Darren Mougey traded picks No. 128 and No. 140 to move up 18 spots and added a sixth-round pick No. 199.
Klubnik signed a four-year $5.5 million deal and joins a quarterback group with Geno Smith, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.
Coach Dabo Swinney said Klubnik is a higher-level talent than his draft spot and could start in the NFL.

Summary

Jets Draft Jackson

The New York Jets drafted defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. at No. 103 to boost a defense that ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed last season.
Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound rookie and nephew of safety and Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson, had 45 tackles, three for loss and one sack at Florida State.
He joins a Jets line that now includes T’Vondre Sweat—acquired in February—alongside Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 the Jets selected Keyshawn Johnson first overall, and under Bill Parcells the club rose from a 1-15 record to an AFC East title by 1998. Echoing that aggressive draft philosophy, the 2026 Jets traded picks for quarterback Cade Klubnik and defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr., hoping to prevent a repeat of the 1996-era struggles.

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Jets Draft Klubnik

Jets drafted Clemson QB Cade Klubnik No. 110 overall in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
GM Darren Mougey traded picks No. 128 and No. 140 to move up 18 spots and added a sixth-round pick No. 199.
Klubnik signed a four-year $5.5 million deal and joins a quarterback group with Geno Smith, Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.
Coach Dabo Swinney said Klubnik is a higher-level talent than his draft spot and could start in the NFL.

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