The New York Jets turned to rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik after veteran starter Geno Smith left Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Klubnik, a fourth-round pick and the 110th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, entered the season as Smith’s backup. His first extended action came in a difficult situation: the Jets were trailing at halftime, and Smith was being evaluated for a concussion.
New York entered the matchup with a 2-7 record and was looking to end a four-game losing streak. The Jets’ defense held up well in the first half, limiting Buffalo to 10 points. The Bills scored on a one-yard Josh Allen touchdown run in the first quarter and a 37-yard Tyler Bass field goal in the second.
The Jets’ offense had a harder time finding the end zone. Kicker Jason Sanders converted two field goals, leaving New York six points behind at the break. Smith completed nine of 16 passes for 109 yards without a turnover before a hit late in the second quarter sent him to the medical tent.
With 25 seconds remaining in the half, the Jets had possession at the Buffalo nine-yard line. Smith took a high-low hit from two defenders, and New York faced fourth-and-four. Sanders made a 27-yard field goal, cutting the Bills’ lead to 10-6. When the third quarter began, Klubnik took the field with the starting offense.
## Klubnik Provides a Spark on His First Drive
Klubnik’s first regular-season NFL drive showed both the challenge of entering a game unexpectedly and the mobility that made him a potential change of pace at quarterback. He appeared unsettled at times but gradually found his footing, helping the Jets move downfield.
New York covered 61 yards in 10 plays over just under four minutes. Klubnik completed two of four passes for 39 yards and added 19 yards on two rushing attempts. Sanders finished the drive with a 22-yard field goal, his third of the game, bringing the score to 10-9.
The Jets had narrowed the gap to one point, but Buffalo answered quickly. The Bills drove 62 yards in four plays, with Allen scoring his second one-yard rushing touchdown of the afternoon. The score put Buffalo ahead 17-9.
Smith returned for the Jets’ next possession and completed four of five passes for 35 yards. New York advanced to the Buffalo 30-yard line but could not reach the end zone. Sanders made his fourth field goal of the game, making it 17-12.
## Geno Smith Leaves Again as Klubnik Takes Over
Buffalo extended its advantage on the following drive. Allen connected with wide receiver DJ Moore for a 45-yard touchdown, giving the Bills a 24-12 lead.
Although Smith had cleared concussion protocol, he returned to the blue medical tent. The Jets then ruled him out with an ankle injury, and he underwent further examination. Klubnik went back in at quarterback and played the rest of the game.
The rookie showed flashes of promise, including a 29-yard completion to Garrett Wilson for the first completion of his NFL career. He also faced the usual growing pains of a young quarterback making an unexpected debut against a strong opponent. Klubnik was sacked three times for a loss of 12 yards and threw a pass intended for Wilson that was intercepted. Tight end Mason Taylor knocked the ball loose from the defender, however, and center Josh Myers recovered it for New York.
Klubnik finished 11 of 20 for 137 passing yards, with one interception. He added 26 yards on three rushing attempts. His ability to scramble and gain yards on the ground stood out, giving the Jets a different element at quarterback.
The Jets could not add to their score after Sanders’ third-quarter field goal. Wilson was a bright spot in the passing game, finishing with seven catches for 106 yards. It was his third 100-yard receiving game of the season. Klubnik also connected with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell during his time on the field.
The Bills won 31-12, improving to 8-1, while the Jets fell to 2-8.
## What’s Next for the Jets at Quarterback?
The extent of Smith’s ankle injury was not yet known after the game. He had cleared concussion protocol, but his ankle was still being examined. If Smith is unable to play, Klubnik could be in line for his first career start when the Jets travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers next week.
That starting role is not certain. The Jets also have veteran quarterback Will Levis on their practice squad. Levis has 21 career starts from his time with the Tennessee Titans, though he has not played in a regular-season game since 2024. If New York is not comfortable starting Klubnik on the road, the team could consider activating Levis.
Klubnik’s debut was uneven, but he showed mobility and made several productive plays under difficult circumstances. Whether he gets another opportunity against the Chargers will depend in part on Smith’s recovery and the Jets’ decision at quarterback.
