Cade Klubnik Wins Jets QB2 Job; Blake Grupe Claimed to Replace Jason Sanders

The New York Jets officially named fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik as the primary backup to starting quarterback Geno Smith for the upcoming season.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced Monday that rookie Cade Klubnik will serve as the team’s No. 2 quarterback for the upcoming season. Klubnik, a fourth-round selection out of Clemson, secured the role after completing 21-of-34 passes for 190 yards during the preseason. Despite throwing one interception and zero touchdowns in exhibition play, the rookie took every second-team snap throughout training camp. He now stands as the lone backup on the active 53-man roster behind 35-year-old starter Geno Smith, who prepares to lead the offense in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.

General manager Darren Mougey and Glenn finalized the depth chart after evaluating free agent options, including veteran Russell Wilson. The team opted against signing a proven insurance policy, instead banking on Klubnik’s development through increased practice repetitions. While Klubnik handled the bulk of preseason playing time, he beat out competitors Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook for the position. Zappe, who was waived on Sunday, has reached an agreement to return to the organization as a member of the practice squad.

Roster Moves and Kicking Changes

The Jets front office also altered the special teams unit on Monday by claiming kicker Blake Grupe off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old Grupe enters Florham Park with a career conversion rate of 82%, having successfully made 86 of 105 field goal attempts. His arrival resulted in the immediate release of Jason Sanders. Although Sanders won a summer battle against Cade York just last week, he was cut after missing both a field goal and a point-after attempt during the final preseason contest.

Defensively, the roster faces a setback involving edge rusher Joseph Ossai. The free-agent acquisition, who signed a three-year deal worth $34.5 million, suffered a torn plantar fascia tendon in his foot during the preseason finale. Currently listed as week-to-week, Ossai is a candidate for short-term injured reserve, which would sideline a player expected to hold a significant role in the defensive rotation.

Coaching Philosophy on Rookie Development

Glenn emphasized that the decision to prioritize Klubnik over a veteran was driven by the value of scout team workloads. By serving as the primary backup, Klubnik will receive a higher volume of practice reps than a typical No. 3 or practice squad quarterback. Glenn acknowledged that while the rookie may face "hiccups," his intelligence and steady improvement throughout training camp gave the staff confidence to stand pat at the position.

Statistically, the Jets are relying on the durability of Geno Smith, who has missed only four games across his previous four seasons as a starter. This reliability allowed the team to bypass veteran additions despite coming off a 3-14 campaign. The coaching staff remains focused on Klubnik's ability to operate the system, noting his growth from the start of camp through the final exhibition games. The team concluded that the long-term benefit of the rookie's immersion in the offense outweighed the perceived safety of a veteran backup.