It is still early, but Cade Klubnik made the most of his limited opportunities in the New York Jets' first preseason game of the summer. He led the Jets out of the tunnel with presumptive starter Geno Smith sidelined with a foot injury. Klubnik may have only completed 5-of-7 passes for 56 yards, but he orchestrated a touchdown drive for New York before being pulled. He also separated himself.
Once Jets head coach Aaron Glenn removed Klubnik from the game, in came Bailey Zappe. The former New England backup and Western Kentucky standout struggled mightily with two horrible interceptions on the evening. Succeeding him was former Missouri starter Brady Cook, who was not much better. With Zappe struggling and Cook playing nondescript, Klubnik looked better by default.
This goes along with the notion that the fourth-round pick out of Clemson should be Smith's primary backup entering fall camp. He can learn from the veteran Pro Bowler, while giving his promising game more polish. Klubnik's athleticism stood out in his two series. He was never afraid to make any throw, but seemed a little rattled once a play broke down. He also needs to get more confident at hand-offs.
More importantly, what Klubnik did in two series has Jets fans buzzing about the allure of their rookie quarterback. Frankly, he looked like Klubnik, without the shackles of Garrett Riley in his ear calling odd plays. This just goes to show how important coaching is. Frank Reich had a rough go of it in the NFL recently, but he looks to be back to good calling plays as the offensive coordinator. It might work out.
Right now, Klubnik looks to be comfortably in the driver's seat to make this team as Smith's backup.
Every Cade Klubnik completion vs the Bucs
— Shane (@SullyJN_) August 15, 2026
5/7 for 56 yards. pic.twitter.com/fINE86R2SX
Cade Klubnik has forced Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook onto the roster bubble
There may have been doubts about Klubnik's long-term viability with the Jets, but there does appear to be something there with him. By having a savvy offensive mind in his ear in Reich, you could totally see the five-star traits Klubnik had coming out of high school. For whatever reason, they never fully manifested at Clemson. New York is a tough place to play, but there are reasons to believe in Klubnik.
Going to the Jets may not be the best change of scenery, but the adversity Klubnik experienced as a starter at Clemson could go a long way toward him being an impactful NFL player. Yes, he may have been throwing against the most vanilla coverages he is ever going to see as a professional, but Klubnik did look the part. The question now is if he has truly taken control of the Jets' backup job.
To be fair, Klubnik is more talented than Zappe or Cook. All three started a bunch of games in college, but Klubnik only has two drives worth of NFL experience under his belt. For Glenn and Reich to be confident enough in his playing ability to get the preseason start matters. Darren Mougey drafted him for a reason. They believe they got a starting-level quarterback in the fourth round out of Clemson.
While it remains to be seen what becomes of Klubnik during his rookie season, he answered the bell in his first preseason game. He faced more pressure from outside sources than he will ever get credit for. Klubnik delivered in a big way. Again, he does need to take his game up a notch, but right now, his base line is higher than what Zappe and Cook are bringing in. It is why he will inevitably beat them out.
The Jets could look at quarterback again next spring, but they may have found something in Klubnik.
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