ESPN rips Jets’ decision to start Geno Smith, suggests rookie Cade Klubnik instead
The NFL offseason is winding down, and teams will soon report to training camp. With most of the roster-building work now in the rearview mirror, some teams have made more questionable moves than others. ESPN recently questioned the New York Jets’ offseason following a busy 2025 trade deadline.
The Jets traded two star defenders for a massive haul. They also traded for Geno Smith in an unlikely reunion. ESPN, however, believes the move may waste an opportunity. The report questions whether the Jets should instead start their rookie quarterback to find out if they’ve uncovered a diamond in the rough.
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“The intention seems to be having Smith be the starter the season — a wasted opportunity to find out if the Jets could hit the quarterback lottery on a younger player. The Jets took only a light swing on a young QB, selecting Cade Klubnik in the fourth round of the draft. There are also potential off-field concerns, as police are investigating a June assault accusation made against Smith,” ESPN reported.
Those off-field concerns stem from a police investigation into an altercation involving Smith. A female filmed the altercation, and the footage has since gone viral. To be fair to the Jets, they couldn’t have anticipated this situation.
Weighing Klubnik’s potential
Still, the report raises a fair point: exploring Klubnik’s ceiling and floor could benefit the Jets. He was once a projected first-round pick, though that projection came during the 2025 college football preseason, when many expected the 2026 quarterback class to be strong.
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Instead, Klubnik fell to day three and now faces a tough road toward becoming an NFL starter. But what if he develops into an average, starting-caliber quarterback?
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (QB10) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
What’s at stake for the Jets
Would that be enough to push the Jets to a Super Bowl? No. Could it be enough to save Aaron Glenn’s job down the road? Maybe.
The logic behind starting Geno Smith is clear: he gives the Jets their best chance to win now. Smith has developed into a much better quarterback since his first stint in New York.
Still, fans often like to ask, “What if?” Perhaps Klubnik will end up being that “what if.”
