Fans eager to see rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik take snaps for the New York Jets anytime soon face disappointing news heading into Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

ESPN reporter Rich Cimini addressed several pressing issues for the Jets as they enter the second half of a difficult season. One centers on whether the fourth-round pick will get meaningful playing time while the team sits at 2-7.

“It happens a lot in the NFL. A team falls out of contention, pushes its bridge starter aside and gives the rookie quarterback an audition. The Jets appear to be on that track, but there’s an X factor — Glenn’s job security,” Cimini wrote.

The Jets face the first-place Bills (7-1) at MetLife Stadium. Head coach Aaron Glenn carries a 5-21 record in his tenure, and that record shapes decisions at quarterback.

“This sets up a fascinating question for the five games after their Week 13 bye: Stay with Geno Smith, who’s having a solid year, or give the Clemson rookie a chance? Best bet? Glenn rides with Smith a lot longer than the fanbase wants,” Cimini added.

Smith has started all nine games. He has completed 183 of 271 passes for 2,078 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. His 67.5 percent completion rate and 100.5 passer rating reflect consistent production.

The 36-year-old has thrown for at least 165 yards in every outing. He ranks among the more efficient veterans in the league despite the team’s losing record.

Klubnik, 23, was selected 110th overall in April’s draft. The Jets traded up 18 spots from the 128th selection to land him.

“That’s the number of slots the Jets traded up with Seattle, from 128th to 110th, as part of the transaction to grab Klubnik in Round 4. The 18 slots marked the Jets’ largest upward move in a picks-for-picks same-draft-day trade in franchise history,” Jets senior contributor Randy Lange noted.

Many observers expect the Jets to target a quarterback high in the 2027 draft. That timeline leaves limited urgency to evaluate Klubnik immediately.

Klubnik has not appeared in a regular-season game. He remains the clear No. 2 on the depth chart behind Smith.

In the preseason he completed 21 of 34 passes for 197 yards with one interception across three games. Those numbers helped him earn the backup role over other candidates.

“if called upon,” Klubnik told Cimini last week when asked about his readiness. The organization appears to share that view after spring and summer work.

The Jets made him the primary backup because they believe he can handle the moment if needed. That decision came after cutting other quarterbacks during final roster moves.

The schedule after the bye includes contests against the Chargers, Dolphins and Cardinals. Those games could still offer evaluation windows, though Cimini’s assessment suggests Glenn will prioritize winning with Smith.

Smith’s efficiency has kept him entrenched. His low interception total stands out on a team that has struggled in close games.

Klubnik’s college production peaked in 2024 with 36 touchdowns against six interceptions at Clemson. His senior year saw a drop to 16 touchdowns and six interceptions, which lowered his draft stock.

The Jets have scored 182 points and allowed 223 through nine games. Offensive consistency remains an issue even with Smith’s solid numbers.

Glenn’s defensive background and current job status add another layer. He has not indicated any plan to alter the quarterback hierarchy in the near term.

The Bills present a stiff test. Their 7-1 mark and league-leading scoring offense make a change even less likely this week.

Looking ahead, the Jets hold multiple high draft picks for 2027. That capital reduces pressure to force Klubnik into action solely for evaluation purposes.

Cimini’s analysis points to a cautious approach. Fans hoping for an early audition may need to wait until the season’s final stretch, if at all.