Why Jets traded up for Cade Klubnik in 2026 NFL Draft

Key Points:

• The Jets made a controversial move by trading up 18 spots in the fourth round to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik at pick No. 110, despite initially holding pick No. 128 where he was expected to be available.
• The trade involved giving up two fourth-round picks (Nos. 128 and 140) to the Bengals but receiving a sixth-round pick (No. 199) back, allowing the Jets to remain active in later rounds and select Miami guard Anez Cooper.
• Klubnik was highly regarded by the Jets' coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Frank Reich, and was chosen after Miami's Carson Beck and Penn State's Drew Allar were taken in the third round; the Jets saw a notable drop-off in quarterback prospects after Klubnik.
• The Jets passed on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who was projected as a Day 2 pick but fell to the seventh round with the Chiefs.
• Post-draft, the Jets signed several undrafted free agents, including kicker Will Ferrin from BYU, cornerback Mory Bamba, linebacker Kendrick Blackshire, and multiple offensive skill players, indicating a strategic approach to filling roster needs.