Jets doomed to repeat their own history with Cade Klubnik QB2 decision

When the New York Jets finalized their 53-man roster, they decided to keep only two quarterbacks, Geno Smith and fourth-round draft pick Cade Klubnik, effectively handing the rookie the backup job over the likes of Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe.

It seems like that has been the Jets' plan all along, since giving Klubnik most of the reps behind Smith throughout training camp and into the preseason. Though Aaron Glenn declined to name the former Clemson standout the backup after the preseason finale, his tune officially changed at the head coach's Monday media availability.

"He's our backup quarterback, and he'll do a good job."

Aaron Glenn

But is this really the best course of action for the Jets? If Smith sprains an ankle or bangs his hand on a helmet, Klubnik is thrust into the starting lineup with zero regular-season experience under his belt. It's not like the rookie lit it up during the preseason, completing only 21 of 34 pass attempts for 190 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception.

It's all starting to feel a little familiar for Jets fans, who went through a similar dilemma just three seasons ago, when Zach Wilson was handed the backup quarterback job behind Aaron Rodgers with no real contingency plan in place.

Cade Klubnik as QB2 feels like a potential disaster for the New York Jets

Everyone remembers when Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles tendon in Week 1 of the 2023 season. It thrust the former No. 2 overall pick back into the starting lineup, and despite picking up a few early wins, the then-24-year-old Wilson flamed out, and fans turned on him quickly.

The problem was that the Jets hadn't gotten themselves a proper insurance policy behind Rodgers. They turned to Tim Boyle, who was just as bad, if not worse, than Wilson, before finally picking up Trevor Siemian and letting him close out the year.

This current iteration of the Jets feels dangerously close to the same mistake. No, Klubnik (hopefully) isn't Wilson, and the expectations aren't as high heading into 2026 as they were in 2023, but jobs are still on the line here.

If Glenn follows up his 3-14 campaign with another disastrous season, there's a really good chance he won't end up receiving a third chance to get the train moving in the right direction. His task becomes that much harder in the worst-case scenario that Smith goes down with an injury and a rookie quarterback is forced to start multiple games.

New York needs to seriously consider adding another veteran quarterback to their roster, or risk making the same mistake Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh made three seasons ago.

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