The New York Jets selected Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik in the fourth round, adding another Day 3 lottery ticket to a franchise that has repeatedly missed on late-round quarterbacks. The team traded for veteran Geno Smith as a bridge starter while eyeing the talent-rich 2027 draft for a long-term solution.

Klubnik arrives with a strong pre-draft connection to offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who praised his charisma, emotional intelligence, and natural leadership. Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave highlighted Klubnik's athleticism, noting a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and called his mechanics "pretty sound" with a tight spiral.

Despite a disappointing final season at Clemson (16 touchdowns, 20 fewer than 2024), Klubnik impressed in the 2024 College Football Playoff with 336 yards and three touchdowns against Texas. He missed the final two spring practices with back tightness but was performing well beforehand.

Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Klubnik will compete with Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook for the No. 2 job, though it appears to be a two-man race. Training camp opens July 29, and Klubnik should see extensive preseason action, potentially earning late-season snaps if the Jets fall out of contention.