What happened: A Yahoo position breakdown of the New York Jets' 2026 quarterback room lists Geno Smith as the starter, with Bailey Zappe, Cade Klubnik and Brady Cook behind him. Smith arrived via trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, while Justin Fields was dealt to Kansas City and Tyrod Taylor left in free agency. Klubnik was a fourth-round pick and Zappe joined on a futures deal.
Why it matters: Smith is on a one-year deal at age 35, and the Jets are widely expected to spend a high pick on a future quarterback next spring, making 2026 a proving year for both him and the franchise. The bigger risk is behind him: the reserves are short on NFL experience, so a Smith injury could force a raw option into meaningful snaps. How Smith plays under offensive coordinator Frank Reich could swing whether New York contends for a playoff spot.
By the numbers: Smith graded 37th of 45 qualifying quarterbacks per PFF in 2025 and led the league in interceptions while also being the most-sacked passer with the Raiders. Zappe owns nine career starts (four wins) but was out of the league to end last season after failing to crack Cleveland's rotation. Cook started the final four games of 2025 as an undrafted rookie and graded last among qualifiers.
What to watch: Watch whether the Jets add a more established veteran backup before the season, and how the depth chart behind Smith sorts out between Zappe, Klubnik and Cook through camp.