QB Controversy For the Jets? Here's Why Cade Klubnik and Not Geno Smith Would be Better for Fantasy

Cade Klubnik may not open the season as the Jets’ starter, but Geno Smith’s shaky outlook creates a possible fantasy opportunity.

Former Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (QB10) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Cade Klubnik enters the NFL as an intriguing developmental quarterback with dual-threat ability and a potential path to playing time in New York. If Geno Smith struggles early or fails to lock down the starting job, Klubnik could quickly emerge as a fantasy-relevant stash in deeper and SuperFlex formats.

With the No. 110 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @nyjets select Cade Klubnik.

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— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2026

Cade Klubnik, New York Jets

Klubnik went 19-8 over his first two seasons at Clemson, averaging 34.8 passing attempts per game before reaching a peak in 2024 (4,102 combined yards, 43 touchdowns, and just six interceptions). Last year was a step back across the board. His completion rate actually hit a career high (65.6%), but passing yards (2,943), passing touchdowns (16), and rushing yards (94 – 119/463/7 in 2024) all declined sharply, a reflection of both his regression and the Tigers' offensive struggles as a whole.

He operated primarily out of the shotgun in an RPO-heavy system, and while his career yards per rush (2.4) undersells his athleticism, he's shown enough to score 15 times on the ground over the past three seasons. As a passer, he works best getting the ball out quickly into the short and intermediate areas, with a balanced arm that can generate zip or dial back velocity depending on the throw. He's also capable of extending plays with his feet and maintaining accuracy on the move, a legitimate asset at the next level.

The concerns center on what happens when the pocket collapses. Interior pressure gives him real trouble, leading to high, off-target throws on throws that should be completions. His ability to diagnose defenses pre-snap and push the ball down the field consistently are two areas that need development before he can be trusted as a starter. At 6'2" and around 205 lbs., the frame is slightly below what scouts look for in an NFL starting quarterback.

Cade Klubnik 2026 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Outlook: The Jets signed Geno Smith to a minimal deal in March ($3.3 million for one season), but he will receive $16.2 million this year from the Raiders. Based on this, the opportunity is real for Klubnik to steal New York’s starting quarterback job this summer.