The Jets’ latest roster moves all but lock in Cade Klubnik’s place on the depth chart for 2026.
New York claimed placekicker Blake Grupe and linebacker Trevin Wallace off waivers on Monday, but passed on adding a quarterback. That leaves rookie Cade Klubnik set to open the season as Geno Smith’s backup, with the Jets carrying only two quarterbacks on the active 53-man roster.
That setup makes one thing pretty clear: Klubnik is going to matter for this team. In a rebuild, a two-quarterback roster doesn’t leave much room for patience, and it points to a season where the rookie could be called on for real snaps. It would not be a surprise if he ends up starting a handful of games.
The quarterback market on waivers barely moved. Leaguewide, teams apparently decided none of the available passers were worth the claim.
The lone quarterback to get picked up was former Jets QB Brady Cook, who is headed to the Miami Dolphins. Will Levis, the most interesting name in the group, went unclaimed.
Klubnik’s preseason line showed both the promise and the rough edges. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 197 yards, with zero touchdowns and one interception. The former Clemson standout flashed the kind of upside that keeps teams interested, but he also looked like a rookie who still needs reps.
Still, the Jets have clearly seen enough to stay committed. They’ve been impressed by Klubnik all offseason, and they’re prepared to live with the growing pains that come with making him the backup. If things break a certain way in 2026, he should get meaningful playing time.
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