Jets' Cade Klubnik given massive QB2 boost after Russell Wilson news

The New York Jets seem very excited about what they have in fourth-round rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik, but they have also kept tabs on veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. If something happens to starter Geno Smith, Aaron Glenn may not like entrusting his 2026 season to a rookie.

However, Wilson is no longer a viable option for the Jets, as the 10-time Pro Bowler and Seattle Seahawks legend is apparently walking away from football to take a job as an analyst with CBS. The Jets had extended an offer to Wilson, but he appears to be putting football in the past.

This development is amazing news for Klubnik; however, as the top veteran backup option has just gone by the wayside. Klubnik could very well be the favorite to earn himself a backup quarterback job when that might not have been the expectation just a month ago.

Russell Wilson news could hand Jets' QB2 job to Cade Klubnik

The Jets have a fairly open competition for the QB2 role behind Smith, as Klubnik has been sharing reps with journeyman Bailey Zappe and 2025 UDFA Brady Cook. Given how overwhelmed Cook looked last year, the true competition that will stay underway at OTAs seems to be Klubnik vs. Zappe.

The Jets will likely do one of two things behind Smith, and Zappe going into the year as QB2 doesn't seem to be one of them. If Klubnik wins the job, that looks like a solid use of a fourth-round pick. If not, the Jets may pursue a different veteran backup like Josh Dobbs, relegating Klubnik to the No. 3 quarterback role for most of his rookie season.

For Klubnik's part, he seems to be doing just about everything necessary to show the Jets he is worth taking a chance on. After a strong first showing at OTAs while splitting time with Zappe, the former five-star recruit may be showing the Jets that the 2024 season is more emblematic of the type of player he is, not the disappointing 2025 campaign.

A quarterback room of Smith and Wilson together would have been a nice change of pace for a Jets team that has had to sit through Zach Wilson and Justin Fields over the last half-decade, but if Klubnik is everything his talent says he could be, he might be able to make the Jets look foolish for even considering Wilson as an option to play over him.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow