Cade Klubnik Named New York Jets’ Backup Quarterback Behind Geno Smith
Cade Klubnik will serve as the New York Jets’ backup to Geno Smith; Ossai sidelined with a foot injury and Blake Grupe claimed amid the kicking competition.
Rookie Cade Klubnik will begin the regular season as the New York Jets’ backup quarterback behind Geno Smith after a training camp and preseason that convinced the coaching staff of his readiness. Coach Aaron Glenn announced the decision Monday, saying Klubnik has earned the role with his work in practices and game snaps. The move leaves the Jets still likely to add another quarterback to the practice squad as the roster remains fluid.
Klubnik confirmed as backup behind Geno Smith
Aaron Glenn put the label on Klubnik directly, saying, "He’s our backup quarterback," and signaling confidence in the rookie’s ability to step in if Smith is unavailable. Klubnik, a fourth-round pick out of Clemson, took the majority of preseason snaps and finished the exhibition slate 21 of 34 for 190 yards with one interception and no touchdown passes. The designation gives New York a clear depth chart with a young passer groomed behind a veteran starter.
Preseason performance and coaching evaluation
Klubnik started the preseason opener against Tampa Bay and led the Jets to scores on his two drives in that game, a performance that helped cement his standing. He also saw action in Pittsburgh after one Smith series and played the first half of the preseason finale versus the Giants, allowing coaches to evaluate him in multiple in-game situations. Glenn said Klubnik "has improved over the course of training camp," and the staff expects continued growth from the rookie as he settles into a backup role.
Quarterback roster moves and practice-squad plans
The Jets have already begun to reshape their quarterback depth, releasing Bailey Zappe and waiving Brady Cook, who was claimed by Miami after spending time as a starter late last season. Cook started New York’s final four games as a rookie last year, and his departure narrows the veteran options behind Smith and Klubnik. Glenn indicated the team is likely to add another quarterback to the practice squad to maintain depth and developmental options during the season.
Joseph Ossai placed week to week after foot injury
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai suffered a ruptured plantar fascia in one foot against the Giants and has been described by Glenn as "week to week," leaving his timeline uncertain. Ossai, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract in March after five seasons with Cincinnati, began the summer on the physically unable to perform list and only recently returned to game action. He made his preseason debut against the Giants, logging 11 snaps with two tackles and a quarterback pressure before the injury occurred.
Jets claim kicker Blake Grupe amid kicking competition
New York claimed kicker Blake Grupe off waivers from Indianapolis after Jason Sanders, who had won the job over Cade York, struggled in the preseason finale with a missed extra point and a short 54-yard field-goal attempt. Glenn said Sanders remains on the roster to continue competition with Grupe, but acknowledged the roster is still being refined as teams finalize their lineups. Grupe, who spent parts of his early career with New Orleans and finished last season with the Colts, enters the Jets with a career mark of 86 of 105 on field goals and 96 of 98 on extra points.
The roster moves close out a busy preseason for the Jets, who enter the regular season with a defined quarterback hierarchy but lingering questions at other positions. Klubnik’s placement as the backup gives New York a younger, developmental option immediately available behind Smith, while the team navigates injuries and competition at edge rusher and kicker. With the regular season looming, the Jets’ coaching staff emphasized continued evaluation and readiness from every player on the 53-man roster.
