One storyline that figures to be prominent during Jets training camp is who will be the backup quarterback.
Bailey Zappe, Brady Cook and rookie Cade Klubnik practiced this spring behind starter Geno Smith, but it still feels like the team may need to add a veteran who shakes loose from another team in camp either via trade or by signing someone who gets cut.
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Coach Aaron Glenn is not ready to go there, obviously, but he was asked about his backup spot Thursday as the spring program ended.
“Well, I would say this: We’re always going to create competition when it comes to that,” Glenn said. “And the thing is, we have Bailey, who’s been around this league for a long time, he’s won some games. We have Cook that was with us last year who’s a second-year player and he’s still developing. And then we have Cade, who was doing a really good job until he was out with a back. … Those guys are going to continue to compete. I would never sit here at this time of the year and say, OK, this guy’s going to be our backup quarterback.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn talks to reporters before an NFL football practice in Florham Park, N.J. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
“Guys, we have training camp to go through, and I think I’ve said that before, those guys are going to compete and see who actually comes out of that fight.”
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Klubnik missed the last two weeks of spring with back spasms. But the fourth-round pick out of Clemson did some good things before then. He will have a lot riding on the preseason games. If he plays well, he might be able to win the backup job. If not, GM Darren Mougey may be working the phones looking for a trade.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws as Cade Klubnik (10), Brady Cook (4) and Bailey Zappe (11) look on during OTAs in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
It was hard to fully evaluate rookie edge rusher David Bailey this spring because there are no padded practices, but the No. 2 overall pick did some things to impress his new coach.
“I think David has grown quite a bit,” Glenn said. “Obviously, the thing that I think we all know that stands out is his first-step quickness and his ability to rush the passer. Obviously, we don’t have pads on so the physical part of it we just couldn’t see.
“But we do know this: The way he strikes the bag, his length, how strong he is, again he’s 250-some pounds. I have no worries about anything else about his weaknesses because I know he’s going to work his ass off to be able to get better at those things. So, listen, I’m looking forward to this player, man, h… He’s going to be a damn good player for us.”
Glenn canceled the last minicamp practice Thursday, sending the team home until training camp begins July 28.
