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The NFL offseason has moved beyond the first major waves of free agency and the NFL Draft. Teams have now begun OTAs, with minicamps right around the corner.
The New York Jets have stayed busy throughout the offseason. In addition to making key free-agent signings and notable draft moves, they also traded for quarterback Geno Smith.
At one point, Russell Wilson appeared poised to join the team as well. However, those rumors seem to have cooled. Why? Fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik.
MORE: Dolphins rookie decides NFL isn’t for him after just 4 days
Reports suggest Klubnik has already impressed the coaching staff in New York — perhaps enough to reduce the urgency of adding a veteran backup quarterback. That development marks an early win for the former Clemson standout.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (QB10) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Not long ago, many projected Klubnik as a first-round talent in what was expected to be a strong 2026 quarterback class. However, a pair of disappointing seasons and the shifting dynamics surrounding NIL opportunities dramatically changed his draft outlook.
Klubnik’s senior season could not have started much worse. He threw six touchdowns and four interceptions as Clemson stumbled to a 1-3 start. From that point on, however, he settled in and finished with 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions while leading the Tigers to a 6-1 finish over the remainder of the regular season.
The potential is still there for Klubnik. Still, as a fourth-round pick, he faces a difficult road ahead. He will need opportunities to develop and prove himself before the Jets can seriously view him as a potential long-term answer at quarterback.
MORE: NFL teams set to debut new stadiums in next 6 years
That opportunity begins now.
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws the ball during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Small victories like this can carry significant momentum for a young quarterback. If Klubnik can secure the QB2 role, it would represent a major step forward in his development.
As for the Jets, expectations for this season remain unclear. Head coach Aaron Glenn does not have guaranteed long-term job security, and many analysts project this roster to finish near the top of next year’s draft order.
Glenn has publicly expressed confidence in Geno Smith. If the Jets are forced to turn to Klubnik this season, it likely would not signal a favorable situation.
Unless, of course, Klubnik flashes the same promise that once made him a projected first-round quarterback. If that happens, the Jets may have unexpectedly positioned themselves well for the future.
Continue reading...
The New York Jets have stayed busy throughout the offseason. In addition to making key free-agent signings and notable draft moves, they also traded for quarterback Geno Smith.
At one point, Russell Wilson appeared poised to join the team as well. However, those rumors seem to have cooled. Why? Fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik.
MORE: Dolphins rookie decides NFL isn’t for him after just 4 days
Reports suggest Klubnik has already impressed the coaching staff in New York — perhaps enough to reduce the urgency of adding a veteran backup quarterback. That development marks an early win for the former Clemson standout.
You must be registered for see images
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (QB10) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Not long ago, many projected Klubnik as a first-round talent in what was expected to be a strong 2026 quarterback class. However, a pair of disappointing seasons and the shifting dynamics surrounding NIL opportunities dramatically changed his draft outlook.
Klubnik’s senior season could not have started much worse. He threw six touchdowns and four interceptions as Clemson stumbled to a 1-3 start. From that point on, however, he settled in and finished with 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions while leading the Tigers to a 6-1 finish over the remainder of the regular season.
The potential is still there for Klubnik. Still, as a fourth-round pick, he faces a difficult road ahead. He will need opportunities to develop and prove himself before the Jets can seriously view him as a potential long-term answer at quarterback.
MORE: NFL teams set to debut new stadiums in next 6 years
That opportunity begins now.
You must be registered for see images
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) throws the ball during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Small victories like this can carry significant momentum for a young quarterback. If Klubnik can secure the QB2 role, it would represent a major step forward in his development.
As for the Jets, expectations for this season remain unclear. Head coach Aaron Glenn does not have guaranteed long-term job security, and many analysts project this roster to finish near the top of next year’s draft order.
Glenn has publicly expressed confidence in Geno Smith. If the Jets are forced to turn to Klubnik this season, it likely would not signal a favorable situation.
Unless, of course, Klubnik flashes the same promise that once made him a projected first-round quarterback. If that happens, the Jets may have unexpectedly positioned themselves well for the future.
Continue reading...
