The New York Jets are actually an intriguing team heading into the 2026 NFL campaign, and one of the biggest reasons why they are so interesting is rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik.
The Jets selected Klubnik in the fourth round of the NFL Draft back in April, but it’s important to remember that Klubnik was viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick entering his final season at Clemson.
A disappointing showing in 2025 caused Klubnik’s stock to plummet, but the skill that allowed him to throw 36 touchdown passes the year prior is still somewhere in there.
Geno Smith is expected to begin the season as New York’s starter under center, but the prevailing thought is that Klubnik will replace Smith at some point.
But could the Jets actually be thinking about adding another signal-caller?
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox isn’t ruling out the possibility, naming Gang Green as one of the top potential trade destinations for Minnesota Vikings youngster J.J. McCarthy.
“To be fair, there’s still a chance that McCarthy can claim the Vikings’ starting gig in camp. If he can’t, however, [Kyler] Murray may never relinquish it, and McCarthy may find himself out of opportunities in Minnesota,” Knox wrote. “If that occurs, he should hope to land with another team that doesn’t have a clear long-term QB answer sooner than later.”
To be clear, the Jets do not have a “clear” answer at quarterback. Klubnik is certainly compelling, but there is no guarantee he is going to amount to anything. He is a Day 3 pick, after all.
But if Klubnik doesn’t show any signs of potentially being New York’s franchise quarterback, you would then think the Jets would punt to the 2027 NFL Draft, a class that is slated to be loaded with quarterback talent.
It seems hard to imagine New York moving draft capital for McCarthy, who did not play at all during his rookie season in 2024 due to a knee injury, missed extensive time in 2025 and sorely disappointed during the time he was actually on the field last season.
The Jets seem more likely to evaluate Klubnik this coming fall to see what he has. If that doesn’t pan out, New York will turn its attention to the draft next April.
The idea of the Jets acquiring McCarthy just doesn’t seem too realistic at this point.
