5 New York Jets QB Options To Back Up Geno Smith in 2026

TL;DR

The New York Jets have Geno Smith as their starting quarterback for 2026, but they are exploring backup options due to his age and past performance. Cade Klubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe are currently on the roster, but the Jets are also considering adding more depth, including Russell Wilson.

Key points

Geno Smith is the starting QB for the Jets in 2026.
The Jets finished the previous season with a 3-14 record.
Cade Klubnik is a rookie backup QB from Clemson.
The Jets are considering adding more QB depth, including Russell Wilson.

New York JetsGeno SmithCade KlubnikBrady Cook

The New York Jets know who their starting quarterback will be in 2026. Yet, like they experienced last season, just because a starter is in place, it doesn’t mean he’ll retain that QB1 role all year long.

After all, Geno Smith is 35 years old, and he’s coming off a season where he led the NFL with 17 interceptions. The outcome isn’t guaranteed to be better than last year, when the Jets finished tied with Smith’s former team for the worst record in football at 3-14.

For now, the Jets have Smith as the starter, fourth-round Clemson rookie Cade Klubnik as the developmental backup, and potential long-term solution. Brady Cook, an undrafted rookie free agent signee from 2025, is the third QB in New York. Bailey Zappe, a 27-year-old former fourth-round pick, is the other QB on the roster, but there’s no guarantee that Cook and/or Zappe will still have a roster spot by the time camp breaks.

Plus, after recently offering a contract to Russell Wilson, it’s clear that the Jets are still looking to add depth to their quarterback room. While Wilson is mulling that contract offer with the Jets, along with other career opportunities, the Jets may have to turn elsewhere. So, which quarterbacks should the Jets consider to back up and/or push Smith?