Cade Klubnik to Jets, Fans React as QB Goes Ahead of Garrett Nussmeier In 2026 NFL Draft

Cade Klubnik was first quarterback off the board on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL draft, as the New York Jets selected him in the fourth round at No. 110 overall after a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Clemson signal-caller is B/R's No. 8 quarterback prospect and 231st-ranked overall player in this year's class.

The response from fans and analysts to the Jets' newest addition to the quarterback room was decidedly mixed.

The Jets moved up 18 spots to select Klubnik, making him the fifth quarterback selected in the draft. He came off the board after Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Carson Beck and Drew Allar.

Other quarterbacks still available who ranked ahead of Klubnik on B/R's big board include Garrett Nussmeier, Taylen Green and Cole Payton.

That list of New York draftees includes Jordan Travis, Zach Wilson, James Morgan, Sam Darnold, Christian Hackenberg, Bryce Petty, Tajh Boyd, Geno Smith and Greg McElroy.

From that group, Boyd, Hackenberg and Morgan never appeared in a game. Wilson, Smith and Darnold are the only players who appeared in more than 10 NFL games.

The ideal scenario for the Jets is that Klubnik spends his entire rookie contract as a backup. Smith will be the starter entering this season after being acquired in an offseason trade with the Las Vegas Raiders.

New York has three first-round picks in the 2027 draft. It's safe to assume that one of them will be used on a quarterback given the apparent strength of the class next year.

Klubnik enters the NFL after spending the last three seasons as the starter at Clemson. His best season was 2024 when he threw for 3,689 yards and 36 touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a victory over SMU in the ACC Championship Game and an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.

Even in a 38-24 loss to Texas in the first round of the playoff, Klubnik played well with 336 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception.