Jets turning to Cade Klubnik under center would wave the white flag for 2026

With the New York Jets' indefensible loss to the previously winless Miami Dolphins serving as the moment that emotionally severed this fanbase from Aaron Glenn, many are wondering if the 2-5 Jets will look to the future and insert rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik into the starting lineup.

With the Jets all but assuredly looking to a 2027 NFL Draft quarterback class led by such hot-ticket names as Drew Mestemaker and CJ Carr, fans may want to see Klubnik get a handful of starts to see if Darren Mougey struck gold in the fourth round.

Making this move would be all but giving up on the season and starting the offense back at square one, which wouldn't make much sense after Smith has proven more than capable of operating a professional offense at a solid clip. Klubnik may not be the quick fix fans think.

New York Jets have no reason to play Cade Klubnik over Geno Smith

Smith is not even in the top five issues with this Jets team right now, as he has performed better than anyone could have expected after his failed Raiders stint. Smith's numbers would put him on pace for just under 4,000 passing yards (second in Jets history), 24 touchdown passes, and just eight interceptions.

Part of the reason this recent run has been even more frustrating for fans is that the offense has sputtered despite a collection of very intriguing playmakers like Garrett Wilson, Kenyon Sadiq, Mason Taylor, and Omar Cooper Jr. (to say nothing of the Braelon Allen breakout). Geno may not be force-feeding Wilson, but he's moving the ball at a fairly effective clip.

The positives that the Jets would have on offense would be blunted by taking the experienced Smith out of the lineup. What is the argument that would suggest that Klubnik would distribute the ball to the Jets' collection of weapons more effectively, other than "you never know until you try?"

Aaron Glenn can't claim to be trying to win with Cade Klubnik

Like it or not, Glenn is not getting fired midseason, barring the team looking completely unsalvageable. Glenn will try everything to save his job, and there's no way that he can look anyone in the eye and claim that Klubnik would give the team a better chance to win right now. Unsurprisingly, Jets players putting their neck on the line don't care about draft position.

Glenn is not going to sacrifice what little job security he has left to show this fanbase if Klubnik can handle life in the NFL. Considering the fact that he didn't even throw a touchdown pass in the preseason and struggled against an ACC schedule last season, the odds of him thriving in the pros this year are slim.

In the last few games of the year, once the Jets get officially eliminated from playoff contention, it might be worth giving Klubnik a couple of starts to test the waters. Otherwise, prepare for Smith to put on his usual display of effective, if occasionally substandard in key areas, quarterback performance.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow