Rookie QB Cade Klubnik Reminds Jets Fans of This MVP Runner-Up

The New York Jets selected a quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft — it just wasn’t the one most expected.

The Jets had been linked to Alabama’s Ty Simpson for weeks leading up to the draft, but if the team was truly contemplating drafting him, they had to pivot quickly after Simpson came off the board at pick No. 13 to the Los Angeles Rams.

New York did come away from the draft with a passer, however, after the team grabbed Clemson QB Cade Klubnik with the 10th pick in the fourth round. The 22-year-old Klubnik was all over social media on Friday during the team’s offseason workout program when a video of him heading out to the practice field went viral.

Fans were quick to hit the comment section after doing a double take with many pointing out Klubnik bore a striking resemblance to former Jets QB Chad Pennington.

“I’m just going to pretend this is Chad Pennington and cannot be convinced otherwise. Welcome back 10!” one fan wrote.

“Chad Pennington came out of retirement?!🤯” another fan replied.

“Is that???? CHAD PENNINGTON REBORN?!” exclaimed a third fan.

“Dare I say he looks like Chad Pennington with a hint of Trevor Lawrence?” one user pointed out.

“Thought that was Chad Pennington for a second lol” another user quipped.

“Anyone else getting Chad Pennington vibes?” asked one fan.

“Is that Ladd Pennington? Brother of @ChadPennington 👀👀,” another fan pondered.

Pennington, New York’s first-round pick in 2000, played for the team through 2007. He compiled a 32-29 record as the starter and threw for 13,738 yards, 82 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. He led the NFL in completion percentage twice (2002, 2008) and passer rating once (2002).

He led the Jets three playoff appearances, and he won Comeback Player of the Year in 2006. After his Jets’ tenure ended, Penning joined the division rival Miami Dolphins for three seasons. He finished as MVP runner-up to Peyton Manning in 2008.