The Jets Week One quarterback job could be up for grabs once again. After a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders reunited the former starting quarterback with the team, it was expected that Geno Smith would open the season as the starter. Now, the Jets Week One quarterback plans are in jeopardy. Earlier this week, the two-time Pro Bowler was recorded on video in an altercation at Smith’s private residence that led to a police altercation. The video showed Smith in a dispute with the mother of his son. While no arrests were made or charges filed, the incident is still undergoing an investigation.
As more details from the case emerge, the incident and police investigation could lead to the veteran’s week one status being in question. Losing Smith would be detrimental to the offense. General manager Darren Mougey was hoping Smith’s veteran presence would stabilize the passing game after ranking last in the league in passing yards per game. Especially with the Jets influx of young weapons on offense between rookies Omar Cooper Jr and Kenyon Sadiq behind wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
If Smith is suspended, then the New York Jets week one quarterback will come down to three players. As of right now, the Jets’ Week One quarterback options are Brady Cook, Bailey Zappe, or rookie Cade Klubnik. Of the three, only Cook and Zappe are the only ones with starting experience. Although the fourth-round pick has shown promise, it might be too early for Klubnik to be the Jets Week One quarterback in September. Whom out of these three should start? And if not them, should the Jets explore the quarterback market? Let’s examine further.
Jets Week One QB Options if Geno Smith Gets Suspended
Jets QB Geno Smith is being investigated for an incident in which a woman accused him of battery, police in Davie, Florida, said Tuesday morning.
Officers were summoned to Smith's home Sunday after a woman claiming to be his ex-girlfriend called 911 and said he assaulted her.…
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 23, 2026
After the New York Jets finished 2025 with a 3-14 record, the team needed to reevaluate things. Head coach Aaron Glenn knows how important this season is for his career. With his job potentially in jeopardy, the team made some major changes. After a poor performance as the starting quarterback, the team moved on from starting quarterback Justin Fields. After a standout performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers to open the season, the Jets week one quarterback regressed throughout the season. Looking for stability in the passing game, the New York Jets acquired veteran Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fans were elated to see Geno Smith make his return to the team. Despite leading the league in interceptions during his only season in Las Vegas, the new Jets week one quarterback had fans optimistic about the passing game. After finishing with the league’s worst passing yards per game, Smith’s gunslinger mentality can hopefully allow the offense to grow. Especially with the Jets quarterback surrounded by promising young playmakers like wide receivers Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and rookie Omar Cooper Jr.
However, the team might have to examine the Jets week one quarterback options. As of right now, Geno Smith is still under investigation for the battery allegations that surfaced over the weekend. A resolution is likely not to be unveiled for some time as more information is released. Should Smith be suspended, let’s examine the three potential Jets week one quarterbacks currently on the roster.
Can quarterback Bailey Zappe lead the Jets in Week One?
If Smith can’t play, the most experienced quarterback currently on the Jets roster is veteran Bailey Zappe. The fifth-year veteran was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Western Kentucky University. Since being released by New England in 2024, he has split the past two seasons between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns practice squad. Thus far, Zappe has performed with a lackluster production that makes him unviable to start for the Jets as their week one quarterback.
In limited action, Zappe has completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,223 yards with 12 touchdown passes to 14 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 76.0. Bailey Zappe is a decent veteran backup. But for New York to use him as the Jets week one quarterback would be precarious. In addition, Zappe has struggled in minicamp to win the backup quarterback job, but an opportunity has opened with rookie Cade Klubnik dealing with a back injury.
Will Brady Cook start after his disastrous 2025 season?
Last season, injuries to both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor forced New York’s hand to turn the offense over to undrafted rookie Brady Cook. After starting for three seasons at the University of Missouri, Cook was perceived to have some upside with his dual-threat abilities. Unfortunately, it led to unfortunate results for the New York Jets.
Cook went winless as the starting quarterback through four games. Cook completed only 57% of his passes for 739 yards with only two touchdown passes and seven interceptions. In addition, Cook fumbled three times and only lost one. One can argue that the lack of receiving options with both Garrett Wilson and rookie tight end Mason Taylor limited the Jets offense when Cook was under center. But even if both men were available, it’s unlikely to have shifted anything major in Cook’s production. Despite having the most experience with the roster, Cook should not be a starting quarterback.
Can the Jets trust rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik?
If neither of the veterans can separate themselves in the competition, can this fourth-round pick wind up as the Jets week one quarterback? After a storied four-year career at Clemson, the Jets drafted Cade Klubnik during the fourth round in April. Despite a down senior season after playing through multiple injuries, new Jets rookie Cade Klubnik displayed the tools of a successful starting quarterback in 2024. That season, Klubnik threw for 3,639 yards while completing 63.4% of his passes with 36 touchdown passes to only six interceptions. Along with running for 463 yards and seven touchdowns on 119 carries.
It will be an uphill battle to throw Klubnik out there in week one. Especially with a talented Tennessee Titans defense featuring disruptive (and newly paid) defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons leading the way. But the Jets offense is in a much better place this season compared to last year. If Klubnik becomes the Jets week one quarterback, he’ll have a talented trio of wide receivers to throw to. Not to mention a young duo at tight end with Mason Taylor and rookie first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq. Along with a veteran offensive coordinator in Frank Reich. If the offensive line can keep him upright and star running back Breece Hall can find some running lanes, Klubnik could surprise some people.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – Imagn Images
