Aaron Glenn hails landmark Cade Klubnik’s deep end debut as New York Jets handed quarterback headache

The New York Jets moved up in the 2026 draft to snag Cade Klubnik, and 16 snaps for the rookie in his NFL debut already has fans buzzing.

Gang Green selected the Clemson quarterback with the 110th pick back in April.

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He was expected to be a developmental project for offensive coordinator Frank Reich, behind the likes of the returning Geno Smith, Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook.

But with veteran starter Smith scratched from Friday’s preseason opener due to injury, Klubnik stepped up for a shock start at MetLife Stadium, the venue regarded as one of the worst in the NFL.

Surrounded by the starting offense, he first led a 12-play drive that ended with a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who sat their starters.

He then got a series with the backups, and the offense scored a touchdown on four plays.

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All in all, Klubnik went 5-for-7 for 56 yards on 16 snaps with a QBR of 94.9, while ending both drives with points.

He posted a higher mark than both of his teammates – with plenty more NFL experience – Zappe and Cook, who also featured in a 24-16 loss to Tampa Bay.

Zappe threw two interceptions, one that was returned for a touchdown, while Cook went 9-for-15 with 108 yards.

Klubnik joined J.J. Jones (1975) and Zach Wilson (2021) as the only rookie quarterbacks in franchise history to start the preseason opener for the Jets, and made a serious case to be backup to Smith in 2026.

“I thought he did a hell of a job, not getting a lot of reps with the ones (in practice),” head coach Aaron Glenn said postgame.

“I give him a lot of credit for going out there and operating the way that he did.”

Glenn added that Klubnik was ‘champing at the bit’ to play, and that he was excited when he got the nod.

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He thinks the rookie’s comfort in running the offense was reminiscent of his days with Clemson.

“When we watched him in college, he was the same way,” Glenn explained.

“Nothing changes. He has some moxie to him. He’s very confident. He’s confident in his arm. He’s confident in his ability to elude and make plays with his feet.

“And his ability to be able to come out and operate with the first group the way he did, to me, I thought was outstanding.

“Still some things that he has to learn, still mistakes that he made in the game, but listen, he’s going to be quick to correct those, just like the other players are. We’re going to continue to move forward.”

Jets will need experienced backup despite impressive Cade Klubnik debut

This, of course, was one preseason game. The Jets will look to 35-year-old Smith to lead the charge this year.

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His injury has been described by Glenn as ‘nothing to be alarmed about’ and the veteran is considered day-to-day.

But ESPN’s Jets reporter Rich Cimini believes the team will need to find a more experienced backup to Smith, if they want to stay competitive in 2026 — despite Klubnik’s impressive debut.

“Klubnik is intriguing. The kid has moxie,” Cimini posted late Friday.

“Wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment (against the Bucs’ backups). That said, if I’m (GM Darren) Mougey, I’m looking for an experienced backup. Too risky to have a fourth-round rookie as the QB2.”

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New York, perhaps, will need to turn to the short list of free agents to find their true backup heading into Week 1.

Many of the top quarterbacks have already been signed, and two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Garoppolo is arguably the biggest name still in need of a new team.

Brett Rypien and John Wolford, who both spent time with the Minnesota Vikings last season, are also still available.

As too is Jeff Driskel, who was last a member of the Washington Commanders.

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There are options, should the Jets wish to find an experienced backup to Smith in 2026.

But with a stacked quarterback class set to enter the NFL in 2027, struggling across the line whilst developing a signal caller like Klubnik could be a viable decision for the long-term.