Full Breakdown
Jets Trade Up to Draft Clemson Quarterback Cade Klubnik in Fourth Round
4/25/2026, 10:54:16 PM
Trade-Up and Selection Details
On April 25, 2026 the New York Jets moved from the No. 128 to the No. 110 spot in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by sending Cincinnati two fourth-round selections (Nos. 128 and 140) and receiving a sixth-round pick (No. 199) in return. General manager Darren Mougey orchestrated the deal, and the Jets used the No. 110 pick to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. The move marked the Jets’ third trade of the draft and added a fourth-round prospect to a quarterback room that already includes veteran Geno Smith, rookie Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.
Background: Klubnik’s College Career
Klubnik entered the draft after a four-year tenure at Clemson, where he started 40 of 49 games. He became the fifth Clemson quarterback taken in an NFL draft and the first since Trevor Lawrence in 2021. Klubnik led the Tigers to ACC titles in 2022 and 2024 and to a College Football Playoff appearance after the 2024 season. He opted to return for his senior year despite being a projected first-round pick after his junior campaign.
Statistical Profile
Across his collegiate career Klubnik amassed 10,123 passing yards, 73 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, completing 64 % of his passes. In 2024 he posted a career-high 3,639 yards (some reports list 3,689 yards) with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions. His senior season saw a decline to 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, while his completion rate rose to 65.6 %. He also rushed for 878 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning two ACC Championship MVP honors.
Official Statements & Responses
The Jets’ front office framed the trade as a strategic effort to deepen the quarterback roster and acquire additional draft capital. Team officials indicated that Klubnik will compete for a backup role behind Smith and develop under offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said Klubnik possesses the potential to become an NFL starter and that the Jets received “great value” given his talent level.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts highlighted concerns about Klubnik’s senior-year production dip, noting a reduction in designed-run output and questions about his decision-making under pressure. One evaluation described his arm as “average” and his field vision as “average,” suggesting limited ability to succeed without a structured passing scheme. The same source warned that his accuracy “falls below the mark” and that high receiver drop rates may inflate his completion statistics.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact draft slot: most list the No. 110 overall pick, while one outlet reports a No. 128 selection. Klubnik’s 2024 passing yardage is cited as both 3,639 and 3,689 yards. Completion percentages for his senior season appear as 65.6 % and 66 % in different reports. Contract details beyond the reported four-year, $5.5 million agreement remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It shows their interest in me, and I was really hoping for this. I kind of woke up this morning thinking I hope the Jets pick me. I had a feeling they were going to pick me.” — Cade Klubnik, prospect
- “Loves the game, highly competitive, highly skilled.” — Dabo Swinney, Clemson head coach
- “I think we are very clear with how we feel about a prospect, what he does well and what he maybe needs to work on.” — Trey Brown, Bengals Assistant GM
- “The accuracy numbers to most areas of the field fall below the mark, but tape study shows a high drop count by his receivers. While his designed run production fell off in 2025, he remains pocket-mobile, avoiding sacks and exploiting rushing lanes. Maintaining poise and mechanics are essential, so finding a short passing attack with a competent run game feels like a must for Klubnik.” — Analyst commentary (Lance Zierlein)
- “My ability to make plays and be able to put the offense in situations to go in games," Klubnik said.” — Cade Klubnik, interview
Outlook & Next Steps
Klubnik is set to sign a four-year, $5.5 million contract and will begin his NFL career under Reich’s guidance. The Jets, coming off a 3-14 season, view him as a developmental piece with the potential to challenge for a starting role in future seasons, especially as the franchise holds three first-round picks in the 2027 draft.
