For months, the New York Jets have been expected to add a veteran backup quarterback behind Geno Smith.
The Jets explored that route, hosting Russell Wilson for a visit and even offering him a contract, according to Wilson himself.
Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, though, the Jets are not expected to sign a veteran QB ahead of training camp and will instead roll with their current depth chart, which includes starter Geno Smith and backups Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook, and fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik.
“They [the Jets] are going to hold off on the older veteran guy as the backup and let these guys fight it out, and they are really high on Cade Klubnik,” said Cimini. “They are going to give him a runway here.”
At the Jets’ rookie minicamp, Klubnik’s performance drew rave reviews, while his first press conference with the New York media was impressive. However, it is important to remember he was throwing in shorts against players who most likely won’t be on NFL rosters in a few months.
While he clearly possesses a tantalizing ceiling, Klubnik was a fourth-round pick for a reason. Coming off a rough 2025 season at Clemson, he is a development project and not someone you want to see in action during his rookie season.
Then, there is Zappe. He has made nine NFL starts, going 4-5 over that span, including three road victories. While his career stats (12 TD, 14 INT) don’t suggest that he would be a viable QB2, the team seems willing to give him a shot to play the role.
Cook struggled mightily in four starts as a UDFA, but it was an impossible situation for the undrafted rookie. The team was high enough on him to give him a roster spot, so it’s possible that he could develop in his second season.
While it remains unknown who the Jets’ QB2 will be, the team is expected to stay pat and not add another veteran at the position, at least according to Cimini.
