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Heading into training camp, the New York Jets will have to make some significant roster decisions.
The Jets made several changes this offseason, notably at quarterback.
Last season, the Jets started Justin Fields at quarterback, but the offense failed to find consistent success.
Heading into the 2026 season, Geno Smith is expected to be their starting quarterback. However, questions remain about who will serve as his backup.
Brady Cook, Bailey Zappe, and the Jets' fourth-round pick out of Clemson, Cade Klubnik, will compete for the backup quarterback job during training camp.
Jets' Backup Quarterback Battle
ESPN writer Rich Cimini believes that the battle for the backup quarterback job will come down to two players.
"Glenn said Klubnik, Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook will compete for the No. 2 job, though it appears to be a two-man competition -- Klubnik and Zappe," Cimini writes.
Bailey Zappe enters camp with the most experience of the group. Zappe, who previously played for the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns signed with the Jets in the offseason.
Across his first three NFL seasons, Zappe has thrown for 2,223 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Jets hope Klubnik can develop into a long-term option behind Smith. After cycling through several quarterbacks over the years, often searching for a long-term answer late in the draft, New York will give the former Clemson standout the opportunity to prove he can fill that role.
Klubnik's college track record is mixed
Klubnik started for three seasons at Clemson before declaring for the NFL Draft. In his final season with the Tigers, he took a step back, throwing only 16 touchdown passes. Despite that, the Jets saw enough potential to select him.
Because the Jets invested a fourth-round pick in him, Klubnik is expected to receive every opportunity to compete with Zappe for the backup job throughout training camp and preseason.
"He's very eager to get this thing and figure it out," quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said. "He's ready to rock and roll. [He asks] a lot of good questions. He's a good athlete. At his pro day, he might have run 4.57 [second 40-yard dash time], so he can move.
"It'll be fun to see him versus live bullets in these preseason games and watch him develop because he's got a lot of athletic skills. We'll try to harness them and have him get good at this football thing at the pro level."
