The Jets are trading up to the 10th pick in the fourth round (No. 110 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
The 110th selection originally belonged to the Bengals, who packaged it with a sixth-rounder (No. 199 overall) in exchange for a pair of fourth-rounders from the Jets (Nos. 128 and 140 overall).
Klubnik, 22, was a three-year starter at Clemson who had a promising 2024 season with an All-ACC honorable mention. He took a step back in 2025, lowering his draft stock and eliminating any perceptions of an NFL-ready passer.
The Jets, though, will not need Klubnik to start right away after trading for Geno Smith earlier in the offseason. Instead, the rookie will compete with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe for the second- and third-string quarterback jobs in New York.
Klubnik does bring an NFL-caliber arm and good athleticism, giving the Jets a good base of physical tools to work with. He will not turn 23 years old until October, but still has three years as a starter under his belt, again indicating an appealing developmental trajectory.
However, Klubnik’s field vision and processing leave much to be desired. That will become even more of a disadvantage against increasingly complicated NFL defense that do their best to cloud the picture for opposing passers. He has time to develop in New York, but he may have to show the Jets something in 2026 to have a chance at a future starting job. Otherwise, the team is expected to target one of the 2027 class’ top passers.
Real head scratcher that they’d trade up for him instead of Nussmeier.
agreed
Agreed, except at this point I’m starting to figure Nussmeier’s medicals look rough.
Waste of a pick, oh well its just a 4th round selection
He went before nussmeier which is interesting.
They found a cyst on his spine that caused his oblique/back injuries last year
My guess is medical report would suggest they can’t fully remove the cyst due to location (spine) so there’s concerns he could suffer from chronic oblique back issues
If it was as simple as remove it he’s good minimal chance of reoccurs I’d he’d probably be gone by now so the medical a probably suggest an issue
Aww sucks to hear that. Smh
Klubnik went WAY before Nussmeier.
*The Jets, though, will not need Klubnik to start right away after trading for Geno Smith earlier in the offseason. *
I take it you didn’t watch Geno Smith play last season?
Important context being that he played behind one of the worst O-line’s of the last decade and had very little supporting cast beyond Bowers. Jeanty also struggled big time and we know it wasn’t all on him.
“Right away” means week 1. Jets are going to give Geno a decent leash
With the Number #1 Draft pick the New York Jets selects Arch Manning
Arch Manning traded minutes later as his family states he will not play for the Jets
@kev. Could happen i dont think arch manning liked aj smith. Woody Johnson was been a crap owner for awhile. Smith was only a gm. But also who else wants a QB or could get a high pick the browns or dolphins. Im not sure that’s better unless the steelers get it, but probably not. He can play another year. Cards is another broken franchise. Maybe the Colts.
I don’t hate the pick for a QB here, but Klubnik was not the guy.
If Geno Smith underperforms or gets hurt, at least the Jets have a young QB to step in that will add intrigue to the games. Look at Miami last year with Quinn Ewers (and Klubnik isn’t even on his level). Say he works out, he can still be a long-term backup. I just wish they’d gone with a different option.
I just think it doesnt make sense to do this, given theyre so likely to draft a QB in the first next year. 1 year (and likely only a few games) is not enough time to evaluate the guy in any capacity before they bring another QB onto the roster. I wouldve rather they spent three 4th round selections throwing darts at positions of need instead of a guy who isnt likely to be part of any short term or long term plans.
This pick might be worth it if he shows to be a serviceable backup, i just dont think the Jets are set up to be the proper environment to figure out if he can be one for them
Klubnik is a better prospect than Ewers was.