The New York Jets’ preseason finale is here.
They will close the preseason tonight (7:30 p.m. EST) in the annual “Snoopy Bowl” at MetLife Stadium against their crosstown rival, the New York Giants.
Here are the three biggest things Jets fans should have their eyes peeled for as the game unfolds.
Any tradable cut candidates?
The bulk of the Jets’ major roster decisions have most likely been settled ahead of tonight’s game. The question is, can some of the team’s preseason risers who may not be able to fit onto the 53-man roster continue to build their stock and potentially emerge as trade candidates?
Even if it’s just a late-round pick swap, acquiring anything of any value in exchange for a player who was just going to get cut is a win.
The Jets played both ends of that market last year. They acquired Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips for late-round picks in separate deals, both of whom went on to play key roles for the team in 2025.
They also shipped Derrick Nnadi, who wasn’t expected to make the team, back to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional pick swap.
Perhaps the Jets could have some cut candidates solidify some trade value tonight. A player to watch is returner Jamaal Pritchett. He is averaging 15.3 yards per return on three punt returns this preseason, and he thrived throughout last year’s preseason, too.
In 2023, New York was able to flip preseason return specialist Brandon Codrington to the Buffalo Bills for a seventh-round pick.
Three years later, the team could potentially take that same approach with Pritchett.
How much does Cade Klubnik play?
While the Jets have played their starters in the first two preseason games, the team will not play starting quarterback Geno Smith tonight, according to a report. The rest of the Jets’ starters are also not expected to play.
That said, the team will get one final extended look at fourth-round rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik.
How much he plays, though, will be fascinating to monitor. It could potentially indicate the Jets’ comfort level with him serving as the squad’s QB2 behind Smith to begin the season.
If he is out there for a limited amount of time, it could potentially indicate that the Jets feel good about him being the primary backup and don’t feel the need to add a veteran backup around cutdown day.
On the other hand, if Klubnik plays deep into the game, it could indicate that they don’t feel great about him in that role and may be monitoring the veteran market over the next few days.
His workload may not fully tip the Jets’ hand, but it could certainly provide a clue.
The Jets have spent all summer evaluating whether the rookie is ready to be one play away from starting. Now, they have one final chance to test him before making a decision.
Gang Green clearly wants him to win the job so they don’t have to carry three QBs on the roster, but that shouldn’t stop them from looking around at the available veterans if they don’t believe the Clemson product is ready for the role right away.
Tonight should help determine the Jets’ final call.
Who secures their spot?
Entering the final preseason game, there are a few roster spots up for grabs. Bubble players will be looking to make a final impression before roster cuts on Sunday.
There are several players, such as wide receiver Malik McClain, edge rusher Nate Lynn and safety Jordan Clark, who are hoping to close the preseason out on a high note and make their final case to earn a roster spot.
Then, there are holdovers like Andrew Beck and Arian Smith who get their last chance to prove that they are worth keeping around.
McClain has outperformed Smith in the battle for the sixth receiver spot this summer. Smith’s lone target in the preseason so far was a drop that led to an interception. During last week’s game, he played deep into the fourth quarter, and the only time his name was called was for an illegal block in the back penalty while in punt coverage.
Lynn, meanwhile, erupted last week in Pittsburgh, collecting two sacks and two hurries in his first preseason game with New York after being picked up three days prior. He appears to be battling Braiden McGregor for the Jets’ final edge spot on the 53-man roster.
Last season, Beck flashed his value as a run blocker and a special teamer. However, his path to the team becomes more complicated if the Jets keep Jelani Woods as their fourth tight end, which appears increasingly likely.
Tonight marks the final audition for many Jets players on the roster bubble.
