The New York Jets have spent the offseason with a pretty obvious question hanging over the quarterback room: what comes after Geno Smith?
There was real talk earlier in the summer about a possible move for Russell Wilson, but that door closed when the former Super Bowl champion chose broadcasting over another season on the field. Since then, the Jets have largely stood pat, heading into training camp with fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik, along with veterans Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook, behind Smith.
That’s where Darren Mougey’s latest comments come into focus. The Jets general manager made an unexpected media appearance at the start of camp and was asked about the possibility of adding a veteran backup.
According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Mougey said: "On the possibility of adding a veteran backup QB, Mougey says he’s excited to see what Klubnik does with his reps. Adds that he’s always checking out vet markets at all positions."
That’s a pretty clear sign of where the Jets want this to go. Klubnik appears to be the guy they want to see seize the No. 2 job, and it makes sense.
Even as a rookie, he may be the most talented quarterback on the roster behind Smith. There’s also a bigger-picture idea here: the Jets seem to believe Klubnik could develop into part of their longer-term quarterback plan, at the very least as a backup, behind a starter they draft in 2027.
For now, though, the Jets are working with what’s available. If camp goes on and none of Klubnik, Zappe, or Cook looks dependable enough to serve as QB2, the veteran market is still there.
One name that stands out is Jimmy Garoppolo, a seasoned option who could step in if Smith were ever injured. Garoppolo has been in the league for 13 seasons and spent the last two years as the backup for the Los Angeles Rams.
Still, that kind of move would only come if Klubnik clearly isn’t ready. And from the Jets’ perspective, that would mean taking a step backward in his development.
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Mitchell is expected to settle in as the Jets WR2 in 2026 after stepping in as the interim leading receiver in 2025, and his numbers from last season hint at why the team is optimistic. He finished with 24 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns, and the belief around him is that better quarterback play could unlock even more. If Wilson is already openly praising him, it only adds to the sense that New Yorks ceiling depends on how quickly that next layer of the passing game comes together. [Read more 🡒]