Jets vs. Buccaneers Preseason Opener Friday

The New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open their 2026 preseason schedules on Friday, August 14, with a matchup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network.

The contest marks the first live action for both teams under new offensive systems and provides an early look at key position battles. For the Jets, the primary focus is on the backup quarterback competition behind starter Geno Smith. Rookie Cade Klubnik, a fourth-round pick, is expected to see playing time as he competes with Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook for the No. 2 role. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that the starters, including Smith, are slated to play, though the duration of their participation remains uncertain.

Glenn noted Klubnik's development during training camp. "I've seen Klubnik grow each and every day, and that was the expectation for that player anyway," Glenn told reporters. "There's still a lot of growing for him to do when it comes to being a quarterback in the NFL, but I think the one thing that he does, he takes on the challenge."

The Jets' offense will be led by new offensive coordinator...