New York Jets rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik has been fun to watch throughout 2026 NFL training camp.
As expected, the rookie signal caller has endured some routine ups and downs at practice. If the Jets' 2026 season goes according to plan, there's no guarantee Klubnik will play at all.
Jets fans are definitely curious to see Klubnik play before the franchise heads into next April's 2027 NFL draft with three first-round picks. Exploring Klubnik's potential before possibly drafting a quarterback would be a worthwhile exercise. The likelihood of that happening depends on how Geno Smith and the Jets perform throughout the early stretch of the schedule.
The Jets acquired Smith via trade this offseason to be their stopgap starting quarterback. Smith's
on-field play will decide how long his reunion with the organization that originally drafted him lasts. If the Jets are receiving high-level performances from their starting quarterback while competing for the postseason, there will be no rush to hand the keys to Klubnik.
But if the rebuilding Jets are losing and Smith is playing subpar, the chants for Klubnik will get louder. At that point, it'd make sense for GM Darren Mougey to demand to see Klubnik play before considering a high pick on a quarterback. If Smith can help it, Klubnik will ride the bench all season long.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Script for Cade Klubnik's rookie year with Jets might already be written
