The New York Jets have committed to Geno Smith as their starting quarterback in 2026. However, the backup quarterback role is still up for grabs.
The Jets did use a fourth-round pick on Cade Klubik and are hoping he wins the job. However, if he struggles throughout the offseason program, New York still has Russell Wilson’s number on speed dial, via Rich Cimini of ESPN.
“The Jets haven’t signed a veteran because they want to see what Klubnik can do over the next month,” Cimini said. “That goes for Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe, too, but it’s really about Klubnik, a fourth-round pick.”
“If he doesn’t knock it out of the park, the Jets can always acquire a veteran for training camp,” he continued. “They’ve been in contact with a number of free agents, most notably Russell Wilson.”
Barring a massive turnaround, the Jets aren’t expected to be true playoff contenders in 2026. They know that Geno Smith isn’t the long-term answer at the position. Seeing what they have in Klubnik gives New York a glimpse into the future. If the rookie fits like a glove into the Jets’ system, perhaps he becomes a more serious contender to start in 2027.
But on the inverse of that, if Klubnik doesn’t get up to speed quickly – he was a fourth-round pick after all – then the Jets may be forced to look at veteran options. Winning may not be the biggest priority, but New York still wants to have NFL-level quarterback play.
Last playing for the New York Giants, Wilson went 0-3 as a starter, throwing for 831 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He may not be the Super Bowl winning quarterback he once was, but Wilson is still clearly respected in the NFL.
If Klubnik struggles, perhaps he gets one more chance in the league. With all respect to Wilson, the Jets will hope they found a diamond in the rough with their rookie.
The New York Jets have committed to Geno Smith as their starting quarterback in 2026. However, the backup quarterback role is still up for grabs. The Jets did use a fourth-round pick on Cade Klubik and are hoping he wins the job. However, if he struggles throughout the offseason program, New York still has Russell Wilson’s number on speed dial, via Rich Cimini of ESPN.