New York Jets general manager explains trading up for Cade Klubnik

TL;DR

Cade Klubnik was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2026 draft after the team traded up with the Cincinnati Bengals. Jets GM Darren Mougey expressed confidence in Klubnik despite a challenging final season at Clemson.

Key points

Cade Klubnik was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of 2026.
The Jets traded up with the Cincinnati Bengals to secure Klubnik.
GM Darren Mougey had high evaluations of Klubnik despite his injuries at Clemson.

Cade KlubnikClemsonCincinnati BengalsNew York Jets

Cade Klubnik is headed to the NFL, landing with the New York Jets after being taken in the fourth round of the 2026 draft. New York didn’t sit back and wait either, moving up in a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals to make sure they got their guy.

Jets GM Darren Mougey said the team had been high on Klubnik going back to earlier evaluations and stayed encouraged even through a tough final season at Clemson.

“I felt really good about Cade,” Mougey said. “Obviously last year, evaluating all those quarterbacks going into this year, we had good grades on Cade going into this year. You watch him this year – he got hurt early and was playing hurt much of the year, and that team kind of struggled. But was excited to get around him at the combine.”

That meeting played a big role in what came next, eventually leading the Jets to take a closer look in person.

“Had a great combine interview, which sparked us to want to get down to Clemson and work him out and spend some more time with him,” Mougey said. “We went down there, and it was great exposure being there on campus with him, in the room, talking ball. Felt very natural. Felt like there was a connection there. Getting on the field, doing the workout, he showed well. So, felt really good about Cade, a young player who has a lot of experience.”

Mougey also pointed to Klubnik’s background and track record as reasons the Jets were comfortable making the move.

“He played a lot of snaps in high school,” Mougey added. “30-0 record in Texas. Went to Clemson as a young 17-year-old. Three-year starter at Clemson. Won a lot of games there. Unfortunately had a down year this year, but still young, athletic with some upside, and feel really good about being able to get him.”

Now, Klubnik heads to New York with a clear opportunity ahead, joining a team that made an aggressive move because it believes in what he can become.

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Q&A

Why did the New York Jets trade up for Cade Klubnik?

The Jets traded up to ensure they could select Cade Klubnik, whom they had evaluated positively in earlier assessments.

What challenges did Cade Klubnik face during his final season at Clemson?

Klubnik struggled with injuries during his final season, which impacted his performance and that of the Clemson team.

What did Jets GM Darren Mougey say about Cade Klubnik?

Moughey expressed confidence in Klubnik, noting that the team had good grades on him despite his tough season and was excited to meet him at the combine.