The New York Jets played their second preseason game ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and this time Geno Smith got to play with the starting offense.
He looked good, firmly cementing his status as the starter, not that there was much doubt. But for Cade Klubnik, who was once again the second quarterback to come into the game, he didn't really do a whole lot.
However, ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that, as of now, Klubnik is likely to be named the backup QB to Smith this season, even though his unremarkable preseason has left something to be desired.
"Jets: Who's the No. 2 quarterback? Rookie Cade Klubnik could've erased any doubt with another strong game, but it was a middling performance -- five drives, no points, and only four plays in Pittsburgh territory," Cimini writes. "The organization probably will choose Klubnik as Geno Smith's backup."
This should not come as a surprise to Jets fans, as barring a free agent or trade addition of a veteran, Klubnik doesn't really have much competition for this QB2 role.
Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook are the other options for the Jets, and neither has proven nearly enough to justify having them in the backup conversation.
There's at least some upside with Klubnik as a rookie, who actually didn't look terrible during the preseason so far in his two opportunities.
He went 5-for-7 for 56 yards during his first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and then went 10-for-14 for 75 yards during the Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Nothing overly impressive, as he didn't throw a single touchdown. But he didn't turn the ball over, throwing zero interceptions, which is at least one encouraging sign from his play these past two weeks.
The Jets could look to add to this QB room, but for now, it's looking likely that Klubnik will wind up as the Jets' backup for the 2026 season behind Smith.
I don't hate the idea, but I have my worries about him being thrown into the fire if Smith were to get injured. I'm not really sure the approach the Jets should take, given we haven't seen much work in the past, so perhaps this works.
