Jets’ Aaron Glenn sets up battle royale for QB2 behind Geno Smith

The New York Jets have made it clear that Geno Smith will be their starting quarterback in 2026. However, New York’s QB2 role is still up for grabs.

The Jets currently have three contenders on their roster for the backup role. Head coach Aaron Glenn expects to witness a true battle for backup duties, via Dennis Waszak Jr. of the Associated Press.

“Glenn says it’s “an open competition” for the #Jets’ No. 2 QB job behind Geno Smith – who’s undoubtedly the No. 1,” Waszak wrote. “Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook and rookie Cade Klubnik are the other QBs currently on the roster.”

Cook started four games for the Jets in 2025, throwing for 739 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions. While his numbers aren’t pretty, perhaps Cook’s experience in the offense gives him the upper hand.

Zappe signed with the Jets back in January. He hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since 2024, but he has gone 4-5 over the nine starts he has made at the NFL level. The Jets clearly at least think he has something to offer.

With New York spending a fourth-round pick on Klubnik, they’ll hope he can work his way into their future quarterback plans. But where he was drafted won’t automatically earn him the backup role. Klubnik must still prove to be a stronger option than the other two.

Ultimately, the backup QB competition may not draw as much buzz compared to legit starting battles. But if Smith were to ever go down, the Jets still want to have the proper option in place. Barring an outside addition, his backup will be one of Cook, Zappe or Klubnik.

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