The New York Jets made one of their more puzzling moves during the 2026 NFL Draft by trading into the 110th overall selection to land quarterback Cade Klubnik. The move cost them the last two of their four fourth-round picks, though they did recoup a sixth-rounder at No. 199 to soften the deal.
On the surface, the Jets are taking a swing at quarterback depth, which makes sense given the long-term uncertainty at the position. However, the decision becomes more complicated when you consider who was still on the board.
LSU's Garrett Nussmeier was available, and many evaluators viewed him as the more dynamic prospect with a higher ceiling. That’s where the debate begins. Klubnik brings traits that coaches tend to appreciate. He’s accurate in short and intermediate areas, operates well within structure, and has a reputation for strong football character. His touch as a passer stands out, particularly when he’s in rhythm. Those qualities give him a clear path to carving out a role at the next level.
Cade Klubnik is a safe pick but may have limited upside.
The concern doesn't lie in experience. Instead, it lies in what Klubnik may not provide. His arm strength and overall physical tools don’t jump off the page.
They raise legitimate questions more than anything about his long-term viability as a starting quarterback in the NFL. To succeed, he’ll need to rely heavily on processing, anticipation, and decision-making. All are areas where the margin for error is thin at the professional level.
His 2025 season didn’t do much to quiet those concerns. Completing 66 percent of his passes for 2,943 yards with 16 touchdowns vs. six interceptions is respectable, but his effort fell short of the expectations that once placed him in early-round conversations.
That context makes this pick feel more like a floor play than a ceiling one. There’s a world where Klubnik develops into a reliable backup, a quarterback who can manage games and keep an offense on schedule.
There’s also a chance he exceeds that projection if everything clicks. Still, compared to other options available, this selection feels conservative. This isn’t a disastrous move, but it is indeed one that invites questions.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Grading Jets’ Cade Klubnik selection at No. 110