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The New York Jets are in a bit of a no-man’s land when it comes to quarterbacks, but they’re hoping they just found a diamond in the rough on Day 3.
Gang Green traded up in the fourth round to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik.
The Jets went with Justin Fields last year in Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey’s first season in New Jersey and it didn’t go as planned.
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Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik throws the ball during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on December 27, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
After cutting bait with Fields, the Jets acquired Geno Smith via trade as a stopgap — there was speculation the Jets might select Ty Simpson out of Alabama with the 16th pick, but the Los Angeles Rams got him at No. 13.
As a result, considering Fernando Mendoza went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, there weren’t that many options for the Jets.
Next year’s quarterback class looks to stack up quite nicely, with Arch Manning seemingly leading the way. However, it remains to be seen where the Jets will be for next year’s selections.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik runs with the ball during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game against North Carolina in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Dec. 3, 2022. (Jacob Kupferman/AP)
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New York gave the Cincinnati Bengals the 128th and 140th picks in exchange for the 110th and 190th picks.
Klubnik figures to back up Smith to start the season, but if the Jets’ season is over early, they could potentially get a long look at Klubnik to see what he’s really made of.
Klubnik starred in 2024 with 36 touchdowns, but he threw 20 fewer this past season, lowering his draft stock.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik throws a football during practice at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex in Clemson, SC, on August 1, 2025. (Ken Ruinard/USA Today Network South Carolina)
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In three seasons as their starter, totaling 39 games, Klubnik completed 64.2% of his passes for 9,426 yards, 71 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
