When might Jets rookie QB Cade Klubnik make his first NFL start?

The New York Jets acquired former second-round draft pick Geno Smith to be their starting quarterback this offseason, but he wasn't the signal caller they added to their roster.

In the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they traded up to nab Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, adding the four-year starter to their roster.

Considering the current state of the Jets' quarterback position, Klubnik figures to have himself a good opportunity to win the backup job, with both Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook fighting for the third-string gig.

If the former Clemson Tiger is QB2, that puts him next in line to start, and it's fair to wonder when Klubnik could end up seeing the field as a rookie.

When might Jets QB Cade Klubnik make his first start?

Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon believes the Jets' rookie quarterback will make his debut in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals, pitting Klubnik against fellow 2026 prospect Carson Beck at State Farm Stadium.

"So again, this is a situation in which the team will want to have a decent feel for its in-house options before potentially doing something drastic in the upcoming offseason. And a perfect opportunity to get a look at Klubnik might come when they are likely to be eliminated for a matchup with the soft Cardinals in mid-December."

Brad Gagnon

If Klubnik is getting the starting nod in Week 15, or any earlier for that matter, that means the Jets' season is all but over, and several things are likely true.

Aaron Glenn could be fired. The second-year head coach's job is on the line entering Year 2 in New York, and if there aren't improvements on the field, he's almost sure to be shown the door, possibly even during the season.

The Jets invested a lot of resources and draft picks into the roster this offseason to raise the level of talent on the field, and they should at a minimum be a scrappy, competitive football team. If not, heads will roll.

The other possibility is if the Jets don't get a veteran backup at some point this summer, and Smith goes down with an injury.

Klubnik could prove himself to be competent enough this offseason to earn the primary backup spot, and put him next in line as the Jets quarterback in case of emergency.

Either way, if Klubnik is taking regular-season snaps for the Jets in 2026, something has gone horribly wrong, and there's a real possibility New York is looking for a new head coach in 2027.

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