Cade Klubnik and 3 other players Jets fans should be watching in preseason debut

New York Jets football is finally going to return after months of offseason gestation, as Aaron Glenn will kick off his second season in charge of his old team by squaring off against mentor Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in preseason action.

Even though Glenn has said that his starters are going to play a bit during this game, this will be a showcase for younger players and those on the back end of the roster trying to make a name for themselves. As such, Jets fans should keep an eye on some players who could change the scope of the team's depth chart with a strong showing here.

These four players all stand out as the marquee attractions from a game that could show fans just how far the Glenn roster has come after a tough 3-14 season in 2025.

4 players New York Jets fans must watch in preseason opener vs. Buccaneers

4. WR Isaiah Williams

Williams may not be an afterthought in the wide receiver room after all, as he could stake his claim to the No. 4 wide receiver role and even light a fire under rookie Omar Cooper Jr. before the season starts. The preseason could show just how far Williams has come as a pure wide receiver.

3. CB Azaraye'h Thomas

While Thomas went into the offseason competing with Nahshon Wright for one of the starting outside cornerback spots, all reports from camp seem to indicate that Thomas is winning this battle. The Tampa Bay game will either be where he shows he is ready for the CB2 job or raw enough to let Wright back into the fight.

2. EDGE David Bailey

Bailey has been one of the most impressive players in Jets training camp, even using his speed to great effect in joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even in a preseason game, Jets fans can finally start to see if Bailey is able to translate his practice dominance over to a game.

1. QB Cade Klubnik

Klubnik might be the main attraction in this game, as he will likely play a good chunk of the contest. Fans will get to see just how far along the former 5-star recruit is in his development and how ready he is to assume the backup quarterback job behind Geno Smith. A strong showing out of the gate would set this fanbase on fire.

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