Full Breakdown
Jets Turn to Rookie Cade Klubnik in Preseason Opener
8/16/2026, 6:29:47 AM
Background & Context
Veteran quarterback Geno Smith was ruled out of the Jets’ preseason opener after a sore ankle was diagnosed during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury opened the door for fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, the 110th overall selection from Clemson, to make his first NFL start. Klubnik joins J.J. Jones (1975) and Zach Wilson (2021) as the only rookie quarterbacks in franchise history to start a preseason opener.
The Jets entered the game with a three-way competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot behind Smith. Klubnik was slated to battle Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook, both of whom had seen limited action in training camp.
Performance Metrics
In the preseason opener scheduled for August 14, Klubnik led the offense on two drives that produced a field-goal and a 31-yard touchdown run by running back Braelon Allen, giving the Jets an early 10-0 lead. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards, was sacked once, and posted a 94.9 quarterback rating.
By contrast, Zappe completed 6 of 10 passes for 55 yards, threw two interceptions (including a pick-six), and recorded a 35.4 rating. Cook completed 9 of 15 passes for 108 yards, was sacked once, and posted an 82.1 rating. These numbers left Klubnik as the clear front-runner for the backup role.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Glenn praised Klubnik’s poise, noting that the rookie “has some moxie” and “is very confident” in his arm and ability to elude defenders. Glenn added that the performance was “a thumbs-up” but cautioned that the competition remained open.
General manager Darren Mougey, speaking on July 29, declined to discuss hypothetical scenarios but emphasized the need for a reliable insurance plan behind the 35-year-old Smith.
Klubnik himself described the experience as “fun” and highlighted the support he received from teammates, including center Josh Myers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we watched him in college, he was the same way,” — Aaron Glenn, head coach
- “Although I'm a young player, I'm poised,” — Cade Klubnik
- “When you don’t get a chance to get reps like that with the ones, that means that you have to sit back and have these mental reps and obviously that’s what he’s been doing,” — Aaron Glenn, head coach
- “Just being able to be in a really unique situation, in a unique game, and put some drives together, that was fun,” — Cade Klubnik
- “I thought he did a hell of a job. Not getting a lot of reps with the ones. So I give him a lot of credit for going out there and operating the way he did,” — Aaron Glenn, head coach
What’s Next
The Jets will continue to evaluate Klubnik, Zappe and Cook during the remaining preseason games, with the backup quarterback decision expected to be finalized before the regular-season kickoff in September. The organization’s broader roster strategy includes three first-round picks in the 2027 draft, suggesting that the team may still explore additional quarterback options after the preseason assessment.
