It's not quite a quarterback controversy, but Cade Klubnik impressed. The New York Jets lost their preseason opener in a 24-16 fashion against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday at MetLife Stadium. The expected starter under center was veteran Geno Smith. Without Smith, it was the fourth-round rookie took the first snap of the game for the Jets offense. Following the game, head coach Aaron Glenn explained that Smith is nursing a sore ankle and did not play as a precaution. In the end, Glenn still probably got what he wanted out of a starting quarterback in the time Klubnik played. “I give him a lot of credit going out there and operating the way that he did,” Glenn said via video conference. “Not surprised, not one bit with him. He did a good job." Klubnik led the Jets down the field on the opening drive of the game, and while New York settled for a field goal, Klubnik connected well with wide receiver Garrett Wilson in the air. The Jets' ensuing drive on offense, once again led by the rookie, ended in the team's only touchdown. "Although I'm a young player, I think that I'm poised. I don't feel like I get really flustered from big games and big moments," Kubnik said. "Put some drives together, that was fun." For more from Klubnik, see the attached video below:
"Although I'm a young player, I think that I'm poised. I don't feel like I get really flustered from big games and big moments." - Cade Klubnik pic.twitter.com/ugiK62bAeH — SNY Jets (@snyjets) August 15, 2026 This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets' Cade Klubnik impresses vs. Bucs after surprise Geno Smith injury