Jets QB Depth Chart: What Cade Klubnik pick means for Geno Smith, Brady Cook, others

The Jets added a quarterback on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, bringing in Clemson's Cade Klubnik after trading up to the 110th pick.

A year ago, the thought of drafting Klubnik would have sounded much more exciting to Jets fans. Klubnik took a major step back in his final season with the Tigers, throwing for 20 fewer touchdowns on a team that just couldn't find a rhythm despite entering with playoff expectations.

That underperformance led Klubnik's stock to slip to Day 3, but he now lands in a situation that could give him a path to snaps.

Here's an updated look at the Jets' quarterback depth chart with Klubnik in the fold.

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Jets QB depth chart

The Jets have been clear that veteran Geno Smith will be their starter in 2025 after acquiring him from the Raiders. How the rest of the depth chart shakes out will be a storyline to follow in the summer.

New York reportedly considered adding a veteran backup behind Smith, with Carson Wentz's name floated, but the organization now has three other signal-callers on its roster in Brady Cook, Bailey Zappe and Klubnik.

Cook made starts for the Jets down the stretch last season; while he didn't show much promise, his experience could give him an edge over Klubnik right now. As a fourth-round pick, Klubnik will start low and have to earn his way higher than No. 3 on the depth chart. 

Zappe figures to be a camp body, which has been the reality for him since his time with the Patriots ended. The Jets have much more invested in Klubnik than Zappe, so the Clemson product's roster spot should be safe in 2025.

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Will Cade Klubnik start for Jets?

The Jets undoubtedly have their share of issues at quarterback, but they aren't expecting to have an open competition this summer. Geno Smith was brought in to be their starter, for better or worse. The only question then will be whether New York brings in a veteran as insurance behind Smith or simply rolls with Cook and Klubnik a the top backup options.

If a veteran isn't added, there is a path to starts for Klubnik. The Jets might like to see what they have in Klubnik before heading into the offseason, depending on how the 2026 season plays out in New York. 

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Cade Klubnik college stats

Klubnik broke through with 36 touchdowns to six interceptions along with a career year on the ground in 2024, but he struggled to fulfill expectations in his final collegiate season.

The Clemson quarterback threw for only 16 touchdowns in 12 starts in 2025, throwing for less than 3,000 yards and failing to have the same impact as a runner than he did a year earlier. The Jets are hoping they can tap into the 2024 version of Klubnik as he starts his NFL career.