The New York Jets don’t have a clear-cut QB2 on their roster behind Geno Smith. And according to a recent report, the team doesn’t plan to add an established veteran on the open market.
Speaking to the media at OTAs on Thursday, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized that the role is an “open competition,” while Bailey Zappe is currently listed as the QB2 on their depth chart.
He also shared that Zappe took the second-team reps on Wednesday.
Among the Jets’ three rostered quarterbacks, Zappe has the most starting experience with nine career starts. The other two quarterbacks seemingly competing for the role are Brady Cook and Cade Klubnik.
However, it would be surprising to see the Jets give the job to Cook after his awful showing in the team’s final four games of the 2025 season.
While Zappe has emerged as the early favorite, Klubnik is also in play. The team traded up for him in the fourth round of April’s draft, and if he impresses the coaching staff over the summer, coupled with strong preseason play, there is no reason as to why he shouldn’t be put in that position.
Throughout nine career starts, Zappe has logged a 4-5 record while collecting three road victories. He has completed 62.1% of his passing attempts for 2,223 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
As Glenn has emphasized, positions on depth charts can change quickly. While Zappe may be penciled in today, certainly don’t rule out Klubnik.
