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

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? Russell Wilson Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The obvious connection, Wilson has already visited the Jets, and he likely still has a place to live in New York after playing for the Giants last season. Plus, it’s long been rumored that he and his wife Ciara prefer the New York area.