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Cade Klubnik Starts Jets Preseason Opener, Earns Edge

8/16/2026

25 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cade Klubnik started for the Jets against Tampa Bay on August 14, 2026 after Geno Smith sat out.
He went 5-for-7 for 56 yards, was sacked once, earned a 94.9 rating, and sparked a 27-yard field goal and a 31-yard touchdown.
Aaron Glenn said he has the edge over Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook for the No. 2 job, making Klubnik the third Jets rookie quarterback to start a preseason opener.

History

Historical Context

In 1976 the Seattle Seahawks debuted as an NFL expansion franchise, with rookie quarterback Jim Zorn guiding a 2-0 preseason win and a 45% third-down conversion rate. Fifty years later the New York Jets echoed that gamble when 2026 rookie Cade Klubnik earned a 94.9 passer rating in his first preseason outing, illustrating how teams still count on untested QBs to spark early momentum.

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Story summary

Cade Klubnik started for the Jets against Tampa Bay on August 14, 2026 after Geno Smith sat out.
He went 5-for-7 for 56 yards, was sacked once, earned a 94.9 rating, and sparked a 27-yard field goal and a 31-yard touchdown.
Aaron Glenn said he has the edge over Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook for the No. 2 job, making Klubnik the third Jets rookie quarterback to start a preseason opener.

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