Training camp is underway for the New York Jets, and one of the top storylines includes the QB2 battle, where fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik is in play to earn the role.
Speaking to the media following Thursday’s practice, head coach Aaron Glenn explained why the team is intrigued by Klubnik’s ability.
“We know the hills that he’s had in his college career,” said the head coach. “We’re intrigued by him because he was able to bounce back and continue to go. To me, that shows leadership, too. When things went down, he kept going.”
Klubnik’s leadership has already been seen, right from the beginning of rookie minicamp, when he led impromptu rookie run-throughs in hotel hallways and conference rooms.
On the surface, he already has the upper hand in the Jets’ QB2 battle. Regardless of whether he outplays Bailey Zappe in the preseason, he is a lock to make the 53-man roster due to his fourth-round draft status.
In Zappe’s case, the Jets don’t have the same level of commitment. He is a veteran who was signed to a futures deal in January.
If the difference in preseason play is relatively small but in favor of the veteran, the Jets could still elect to just roll with Klubnik and save the extra roster spot.
On the other hand, if the preseason comes around and Klubnik doesn’t look like he belongs on the field against NFL backups, it’s a different conversation.
However, it looks like the Jets are hoping the first option comes to fruition, as they should. The goal throughout the summer should be for Klubnik to look comfortable operating the offense and prove that he can be trusted to back up Geno Smith.
The good news is that Smith has not historically been an injury-prone quarterback, missing a combined four games since becoming the Seattle Seahawks’ starter for the 2022 season.
Should Smith go down, though, the Jets need to be able to trust that Klubnik will be ready to step up if he is tabbed as the QB2. The team seems to be confident he can prove that.
