3 Most Important Jets to Watch in Friday's Preseason Opener: Cade Klubnik's NFL Debut

It’s been over seven months since we’ve seen the Jets, and that streak ends on Friday with the team taking on the Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium after a week of joint practices.

Although it’ll be exciting to see Gang Green finally play a somewhat meaningful game, fans shouldn’t expect to see any of the star or marquee players suit up. If they do, it’ll only be for a drive or two.

Instead, we should expect the Jets' coaching staff to use this game to deploy players in a position battle or at the back end of the depth chart. These additional reps provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate the players and the strengths of each position group.

With that being said, here are three Jets’ players to keep an eye on against the Bucs.

3. Cade Klubnik, QB

Cade Klubnik is coming off an impressive week in training camp, which he capped off with a 60-yard completion to Isaiah Williams in last Saturday’s scrimmage. Overall, the 2026 fourth-round pick has had a solid camp and is in a strong position to obtain the QB2 role, especially as his success continued against the Buccaneers on Tuesday, per Jets OnSI's Nick Faria.

Taking a look across the field, #Jets secondary has held their own as Cade Klubnik delivered a nice throw to Ruckert for a deep completion.

Good stuff from the rookie.
— Nick “Mike Farrell” Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) August 11, 2026

However, camp play alone won’t secure him the job. Klubnik must stand out in preseason play to increase his chances of earning the backup spot and convince the organization not to add another quarterback to the group.

Although general manager Darren Mougey didn’t indicate that he’s bringing in another quarterback, he was asked about potentially adding a veteran to the room before the start of training camp. Mougey responded that he’s always checking the market for players at all positions.

If Klubnik wants to shut down talks about potentially bolstering the quarterback room, he must protect the football and prove he's capable of moving the offense downfield.

2. Chip Trayanum, RB

Entering training camp, Chip Trayanum wasn’t considered a candidate to earn a roster spot. Despite this, the Jets’ unofficial depth chart lists him as the RB3 alongside Isaiah Davis and ahead of Kene Nwangwu.

Of course, this list should be taken with a grain of salt given that it was compiled by the team’s communication staff rather than the coaching staff. But with Davis sidelined for the next couple of weeks with a knee injury, Traynaum has a chance to make a strong impression.

Traynaum’s bruising, down-hill running style makes him an intriguing player to watch against Tampa Bay. If he can pick up tough yards after contact and secure the football, he could put himself in a position to earn a spot on the practice squad.

1. Tyler Baron, EDGE

Another surprise from New York’s unofficial depth chart list is Tyler Baron being on the fourth team behind Kingsley Jonathan and Nathan Voorhis.

Tyler Baron no helmet. — Is Tyler Baron ready to show that he can take that next step for the Jets this season? | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Baron is already considered a long shot to make the final 53-man roster, but his listing on the depth chart shows that he has a lot of ground to make up. Despite this, he displayed some potential last season, recording four pressures in 48 pass-rush snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

Against the Buccaneers, Baron must showcase his development as both a pass-rusher and run-defender as he competes for a roster spot in a crowded edge rush room. New York ranked amongst the worst teams in both categories last year, and if Baron can prove to be an effective contributor in either area, it could significantly improve his chances of making the roster.

But if he fails to capitalize, don’t be surprised if Baron ends up being a cut candidate by the end of August.

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