Jets fans have a clear choice for backup quarterback
Dec 27, 2025; Bronx, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) looks to pass during the first half of the 2025 Pinstripe Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Geno Smith is set to start at quarterback for the Jets in 2026. It still isn’t clear who QB2 will be for the team.
Bailey Zappe was signed early in the offseason. The team picked Cade Klubnik out of Clemson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. And former All Pro Russell Wilson remains an option after the Jets made him an offer a few week back.
Wilson has stated he is still in the process of deciding whether to continue his playing career or move into a television analyst role. It isn’t clear which of these quarterbacks will serve as Smith’s primary backup, but Jets fans have a clear preference if our SB Nation Reacts poll for this week is to be believed. We asked Jets fans which of the three quarterbacks they prefer as the backup.
I guess this is a natural answer. Zappe’s career has produced underwhelming results while Wilson is in steep decline. Klubnik probably isn’t the future for the Jets at quarterback, but he at least has some degree of potential.
The Jets, of course, will hope it doesn’t come down to seeing their backup.