The New York Jets’ 2026 preseason opener ended in defeat on the scoreboard, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed a 24-16 victory.
However, the exhibition outing carried plenty of positives for the young Jets, who played their offensive and defensive starters in the first quarter.
Fourth-year edge rusher Will McDonald had a sack in his brief appearance. Second overall pick David Bailey also got into the backfield on the play.
Garrett Wilson wasted no time reminding Jets fans why he deserved a $130 million contract, catching two passes for 32 yards, including this incredible snag.
Fourth-round rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik started in place of Geno Smith, who was ruled out shortly before the game with foot soreness, which has been described as a non-serious injury that would not have held him out of a regular season game.
Across two drives, Klubnik finished his appearance completing 5 of 7 passes for 56 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He had no rush attempts and was sacked once for two yards.
Klubnik led the Jets to points on each of his two series. When he exited, the Jets led 10-0. New York’s touchdown was a 31-yard scamper by Braelon Allen, who looked exceptionally shifty for a 250-pounder.
From there, Tampa Bay’s defense began dominating the Jets’ offense, while the New York defense did not generate enough negative plays to stop the Bucs from creeping into the lead.
Third-string quarterback Bailey Zappe threw two interceptions. The first was a poor read by Zappe, and was returned for a touchdown. The second bounced off the hands of wide receiver Arian Smith, a 2025 fourth-round pick who is fighting for a roster spot.
First-round rookie wideout Omar Cooper Jr. had two catches for 31 yards on three targets.
Undrafted rookie cornerback Mory Bamba was arguably the star of the night for New York, racking up four pass deflections in coverage and a fantastic tackle on special teams.
The Jets will continue the preseason next Friday at 7 p.m. EST when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
