The Jets may be 2-5, but it's still not time for them to start rookie QB Cade Klubnik

The Jets are spiraling again. It happens every year around this time and often has everyone looking toward the future. So, let’s do that.

If this latest spiral continues — and it usually does — the Jets are going to have to see what they have in their quarterback room behind Geno Smith. At some point, but not yet.

Rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik is Smith’s backup and Will Levis, a 2023 Titans second-round pick, is the Jets’ QB3. The plan was never to play either, unless there was an injury. The Jets should stick with that plan unless or until their season whirls into despair — and it usually does.

This is no knock on Smith. Seven games in, he has played better than most expected.

He has 10 touchdown passes, joining Aaron Rodgers as the only other Jets quarterback in the last seven years to throw for double-digit TDs. Smith has been picked off just twice, a big improvement from last year when his 17 interceptions led the NFL.

The Jets (2-5) have been competitive. Coaching is the most glaring reason why they’re 1-4 in one-score games. The Jets being outscored 107-6 in the final two minutes of first halves during Aaron Glenn’s tenure is damning. Not using any timeouts to try and get the ball back late in the first half of Sunday’s loss to the previously winless Dolphins is coaching malpractice.

That defeat put everyone on alert that things have to change.

Glenn is on borrowed time unless he resurrects a team that is 5-19 under his watch. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich has been a disappointment, considering all the Jets’ playmakers. His best one, Garrett Wilson, is unhappy and not hiding it.

Wilson was targeted just three times Sunday. During the game, he had a heated and animated exchange on the sideline. It could have been directed at Smith or passing-game coordinator Seth Ryan. Reich, who is upstairs in a coaches’ box, joked that he doesn’t always see Wilson’s emotional outbursts, “but I hear about them.”

On Sunday night, Wilson put his feelings on the internet, posting on his Instagram page, “The day I stop getting open will be the day I start my PPA career.” That’s a pickleball reference, but the message for Glenn, Reich, Ryan and Smith was clear: Wilson is open and he wants the ball.

The Jets didn’t lose Sunday because Wilson wasn’t involved in the offense. It didn’t help, though. Play-calling, being outmuscled up front and overall execution led to low moments, like when the Jets kicked a field goal after having a first-and-goal from the 1. Glenn’s defense also was a big culprit, allowing 28 points to a team that was averaging 14 and hadn’t held a lead all season.

That takes us to this week when the Jets play a must-win game against the Raiders — they pretty much all are must-win for Glenn now.

“Sunday can’t get here fast enough,” Glenn said.

Be careful what you wish for, Aaron.

Las Vegas has dropped four in a row and still has a better record than the Jets.

The Raiders are in a similar position, with a veteran quarterback (Kirk Cousins) holding things down while a rookie watches. The difference is the Raiders rookie is No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. His shot will come soon, but apparently not this week.

Mendoza is Las Vegas’ future. Smith is the bridge for the Jets’ quarterback of the future, who isn’t on their roster.

The Jets have three first-round picks next year — Nos. 7, 10 and 12 after Week 7. Even though the once-hyped quarterback class has had some struggles this year, the Jets still are expected to take one. It doesn’t mean the Jets shouldn’t get a look at Klubnik eventually.

After Vegas, the Jets play at Kansas City, host Buffalo, and are at the Chargers and Miami, where they last won in 2014. Then comes the bye. After which, they could either have a new coach, new starting quarterback, or both depending on this stretch of games.

This has nothing to do with Smith. He gives the Jets the best chance to win. Glenn wants Smith to have the football, needs him to have the football. Klubnik is a developmental quarterback who struggled in the preseason.

Smith has his flaws. He’s missed some open receivers (Wilson), and does need to look to his star pass catcher more. Smith also sometimes holds on to the ball too long. Not all 21 sacks are on the Jets’ offensive line, either. But barring injury, any future move to Klubnik will be because of the Jets’ record, not Smith’s performance.

Klubnik is the best ping-pong player on the team, but it’s too soon for him to serve up any deep shots to Wilson. Let’s see if the Jets stop spiraling first. They usually don’t.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.