Klubnik named sole roster backup behind Geno Smith
The New York Jets have set their Week 1 depth chart at quarterback: Geno Smith will start with rookie Cade Klubnik serving as the No. 2. Head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear Klubnik — the Jets' fourth-round pick out of Clemson — will be the only backup on the 53-man roster, adding that Klubnik will "do a good job."
That choice leaves the roster holding just two active quarterbacks, a decision that required the team to make moves during final cuts. The Jets lost Brady Cook on waivers, and Bailey Zappe was waived before clearing and signing back with New York on a practice squad contract.
Workouts signal the Jets are still hunting for depth
Despite naming Klubnik the primary backup, the Jets continue to audition veteran and developmental options for their practice squad. Amny reported the team worked out Will Levis and Jack Plummer on Thursday as potential additions; Yahoo! News likewise noted the club evaluated the two quarterbacks for possible practice-squad roles. Yardbarker projects any signing in that vein would take the form of a practice-squad spot.
Neither Levis nor Plummer has been signed to the active roster. The workouts indicate the organization remains inclined to keep Klubnik as the lone roster backup while supplementing the taxi squad with experienced alternatives rather than carrying a third quarterback on the 53-man roster.
Bailey Zappe currently occupies a practice-squad spot, but his position may not be secure. Yahoo! News flagged that the presence of Levis and Plummer in for workouts suggests competition for the Jets' quarterback depth on the taxi squad could be forthcoming.
What the moves add up to
The Jets' approach balances roster efficiency with contingency planning. Naming Klubnik the only active backup demonstrates a commitment to the rookie as the immediate insurance policy behind Smith, while bringing in Levis and Plummer for workouts shows the front office wants optionality without sacrificing a roster spot.
For now, the roster picture is straightforward: Smith starts, Klubnik is the backup on the 53-man roster, and Zappe is on the practice squad. The Jets' continued interest in evaluating other quarterbacks means that could change quickly if the team decides to upgrade practice-squad depth or replace Zappe with another option.
