One of the quieter but more important fights in Jets training camp is already taking shape behind Geno Smith: the battle for QB2.
Aaron Glenn has said Bailey Zappe is currently lined up as the primary backup, but rookie Cade Klubnik is still very much in the mix. And even with Zappe bringing the more polished résumé, Klubnik may already be carrying the better hand.
That starts with the simplest roster truth in the NFL: commitment matters. Klubnik was taken in the fourth round, which means he is going to be on the Jets’ roster either way.
Zappe doesn’t have that kind of security. He joined the team on a futures deal in January, and that makes him much easier to move on from without much financial pain.
That difference changes everything.
If Klubnik beats out Zappe, the Jets can keep the room lean and avoid carrying three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. If they still want Zappe in the building, the practice squad is right there as an option. That’s the kind of roster flexibility teams chase every summer, especially when every spot has to count.
Zappe does have the experience edge. He’s entering his fifth NFL season, has nine starts under his belt, and owns a 4-5 record in those games.
That matters. But it does not erase the fact that the Jets have already made a real investment in Klubnik, and that gives the rookie a built-in advantage before the competition even gets rolling.
Glenn has also made it clear the rookie will get every chance to win the job. If Klubnik can keep the race close and hold his own in preseason action, the Jets have plenty of reason to make him their No. 2 quarterback behind Geno Smith.
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