Clemson star Cade Klubnik predicted to replace veteran quarterback on struggling NFL team facing major rebuilding challenges.

The prediction that Clemson star Cade Klubnik is destined to replace a veteran quarterback on a struggling NFL team facing major rebuilding challenges is gaining significant traction in early 2026 NFL Draft discussions. This isn’t just a speculative whisper; it’s a narrative being woven by multiple prominent draft analysts and sports publications, highlighting Klubnik’s college production and the precarious situations of several NFL franchises.

Klubnik, who has emerged as one of the nation’s top collegiate quarterbacks, is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign where he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, leading Clemson to an ACC title and a College Football Playoff appearance. This breakout performance, coupled with his dual-threat capabilities (463 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in 2024), has solidified his position as a potential top-five pick, and even a possible No. 1 overall selection, in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

The idea of Klubnik stepping into a rebuilding situation isn’t far-fetched. Many NFL teams find themselves in a perpetual cycle of quarterback instability, often relying on aging or underperforming veterans while searching for their long-term solution. These franchises, burdened by poor records and a lack of consistent quarterback play, are precisely the kind of teams that would be in a position to draft a top-tier prospect like Klubnik.

Let’s delve into some of the teams frequently mentioned in connection with Klubnik and their respective rebuilding challenges:

The New York Jets: A Familiar Tale of Quarterback Turmoil

Perhaps no team embodies the “struggling veteran quarterback” narrative more than the New York Jets. After a whirlwind of quarterback acquisitions in recent years, including the highly-anticipated but ultimately disappointing tenure of Zach Wilson and the ongoing question marks surrounding Justin Fields, the Jets are perpetually in search of stability under center.

Justin Fields, acquired in a trade, is entering a critical season with the Jets. While the team has made efforts to improve the offensive line and add weapons like Garrett Wilson and rookie tight end Mason Taylor, the pressure is immense for Fields to finally establish himself as a franchise quarterback. If he fails to deliver, and the Jets once again find themselves with a high draft pick, the temptation to select a player of Klubnik’s caliber would be overwhelming.

The Jets’ history of quarterback struggles is well-documented, often leading to a cycle of drafting high-potential but ultimately unproven passers. Klubnik’s “instincts, velocity, and overall athleticism” are highly praised, making him an attractive option for a team desperate to reset its quarterback room and embark on a true rebuild around a young, talented signal-caller. The thought is that if Fields doesn’t pan out, Klubnik could be the fresh face to change the trajectory of the franchise.

The Cleveland Browns: The Perpetual QB Search

The Cleveland Browns are another franchise synonymous with a revolving door at quarterback. Despite significant investments at the position over the years, they’ve struggled to find a consistent, long-term answer. The current situation with their veteran quarterbacks, potentially including Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, is seen as a short-term fix rather than a lasting solution.

Analysts like Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone have gone as far as to predict Klubnik landing with the Browns at No. 3 overall in the 2026 draft. This projection stems from the belief that their current quarterback options, including any potential Day 2 picks from the 2025 draft like Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, may not pan out. The Browns’ consistent high draft positioning due to their struggles makes them a prime candidate to target a top quarterback prospect.

A move to Cleveland for Klubnik would be a high-pressure situation, given the franchise’s historical inability to develop quarterbacks. However, if he were to break that mold and find success, it would cement his status as a truly transformative player. The Browns represent a major rebuilding challenge, not just at quarterback, but across the roster, and Klubnik could be seen as the cornerstone of that effort.

The Pittsburgh Steelers: A Potential Crossroads

The Pittsburgh Steelers are often in the conversation for quarterback-needy teams, particularly as their current veteran situation remains somewhat uncertain. While they brought back Mason Rudolph, and there’s the lingering question of Aaron Rodgers’ potential future, the team is still widely considered to be in the market for a long-term solution under center.

Tankathon’s mock draft even has Klubnik going to the Steelers at No. 15, indicating he could be a target for a team looking to transition from an established, but perhaps aging, veteran presence. The Steelers, known for their strong defense and run game, could provide a stable environment for a young quarterback to develop, but their offensive struggles in recent years underscore the need for a dynamic playmaker at quarterback. Klubnik’s “strong arm, high football IQ, and plus athleticism” could make him an ideal fit for a team looking to revitalize its offense.

Other Potential Landing Spots and Rebuilding Considerations:

While the Jets, Browns, and Steelers are frequently mentioned, other teams could also be in the market for a quarterback of Klubnik’s caliber, depending on their 2025 season performance and how their current quarterback situations evolve. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans have also been identified as having “quarterback dilemmas” and could be looking for instant starters in the 2026 draft.

The common thread among these potential landing spots is a combination of:

• Struggling Veteran Quarterbacks: Whether it’s an aging signal-caller whose performance is declining, or a younger veteran who hasn’t lived up to expectations, these teams often find themselves in a cycle of mediocrity due to inconsistent play at the most important position.
• Major Rebuilding Challenges: Beyond the quarterback position, these franchises often have significant roster holes, indicating a broader need for a complete overhaul. Drafting a potential franchise quarterback early in the draft is often seen as the first, and most crucial, step in such a rebuild. This typically involves investing heavily in offensive line talent, surrounding the new quarterback with playmakers, and building a strong defensive unit.
• High Draft Capital: The very nature of being a “struggling team” often means possessing high draft picks, which puts them in a position to select a top prospect like Klubnik.

Cade Klubnik’s Strengths and How They Fit a Rebuild:

Klubnik’s scouting reports highlight several attributes that make him an ideal candidate for a team looking to rebuild around a quarterback:

• Dual-Threat Ability: His capacity to make plays with both his arm and his legs adds a dynamic element to an offense, making him harder to defend and offering more flexibility for a new offensive coordinator. This is crucial for rebuilding teams that may not have all the pieces in place immediately.
• Arm Talent and Accuracy: He possesses the arm strength to make all the necessary throws and displays good touch, particularly on deep balls and boundary throws. This accuracy is vital for a quarterback stepping into a professional system, as it minimizes turnovers and maximizes offensive efficiency.
• Processing and Poise: While there’s always room for growth, Klubnik shows an ability to work through progressions and generally manages pressure well. His composure in the pocket and willingness to stand in and take hits are also noted, indicating a mental toughness essential for a franchise quarterback.
• Leadership and Competitiveness: Klubnik is described as a competitive, high-effort player with strong leadership qualities, which are intangible but critical for a young quarterback taking over a struggling team. He’s the kind of player who can inspire a locker room and become the face of a franchise.

The Road Ahead for Klubnik and Potential Teams:

For Cade Klubnik, the 2025 college football season will be paramount in solidifying his draft stock. Another strong performance, ideally leading Clemson deep into the College Football Playoff, will only enhance his appeal to NFL teams. Scouts will be looking for continued consistency, improved decision-making, and a further reduction in “hero ball” plays that can lead to turnovers.

For the struggling NFL teams, the 2025 season will be a litmus test for their veteran quarterbacks. If the struggles persist, the conversation around drafting a top-tier quarterback will intensify, and Cade Klubnik’s name will undoubtedly be at the forefront of those discussions. The decision to invest a high draft pick in a quarterback like Klubnik would signal a definitive commitment to a full-scale rebuild, with the hope that he can be the foundational piece to finally turn the tide for a long-suffering franchise. The potential for a “worst imaginable landing spot” like the Browns, as some analysts suggest, speaks to the significant challenges Klubnik would face, but also the immense opportunity to become a truly iconic figure if he can lead such a team to success.