ESPN outlines when Jets fans can expect to see Cade Klubnik in his rookie campaign

The New York Jets' fanbase has done a complete 180 with quarterback Cade Klubnik. Just a few weeks after fans were skeptical about trading up in the fourth round to acquire the former five-star recruit, Klubnik now has a shot at being the team's No. 2 quarterback behind Geno Smith in 2026.

The Jets have made offers to veteran backup quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, but they haven't secured anyone yet. New York has given Klubnik, whom they traded two fourth-round picks to acquire, a perfect runway to strut his stuff and prove that he can be capable of being an NFL backup early in his career.

ESPN's Rich Cimini cautioned fans against expecting to see him in 2026, however. Cimini said that something had to have gone "horribly wrong" for him to see the field. The first order of business is trying to beat out Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe for the No. 2 quarterback role.

Cimini did not, however, expect Klubnik to share second-team reps without an established QB2 on the roster, and he could use that as an opportunity to grow.

Rich Cimini explains why Jets fans may not see much of Cade Klubnik in 2026

ESPN's Jordan Reid noted that Klubnik is a streaky passer who often continues to make plays if he starts off hot and struggles when pressured early. He noted that with the Jets' robust offensive line and collection of worthwhile playmakers on the outside, this team now has enough playmakers to support him.

Cook showed last year that he is simply not an NFL quarterback. Zappe has been able to win some games in the pros, but with the laughable 2025 Browns keeping him on the practice squad all of last year despite a horrid quarterback situation, he probably isn't the second coming of Don Strock.

The Jets are banking on getting 2024 Klubnik, who was so good that he helped garner some first-round buzz early in the season, instead of 2025 Klubnik, who started to look overwhelmed. Klubnik himself has said he was playing through some severe injuries, which may have taken a chunk out of his overall capacity.

Any Jets quarterback who shows anything is going to get a fanbase starved for competency excited. While there is a very full graveyard of Jets Day 3 quarterbacks who didn't amount to much, Klubnik emerging as a viable backup in his debut season could be a sign that he could be part of the long-term furniture.

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