At least they know who the backup won’t be: White leaves for Miami
Sometimes, you can go home again.
After four seasons with the Jets, quarterback Mike White will sign a two-year contract with the rival Dolphins, according to a source. ESPN reports that White’s contract will be worth $16 million as Miami now improves its backup quarterback position.
White was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale as he attended high school at University before going to college at South Florida and later Western Kentucky. Last season, White became the Jets’ starting quarterback last November after they benched former first-round pick Zach Wilson following a 10-3 loss to the Patriots.
In four starts last season, White passed for 1,192 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. White did miss time due to five broken ribs he suffered against the Bills in December. He aggravated the same rib injury against the Seahawks as he missed the season finale against the Dolphins.
Last year, the Dolphins had Teddy Bridgewater and rookie seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson backing up starter Tua Tagovailoa. However, Bridgewater missed multiple games due to injuries as he missed the regular season finale against the Jets and the loss against the Bills in the AFC Wild Card playoff game.
White will provide some veteran stability behind Tagovailoa, who has dealt with injuries during his first three seasons in the league. Last year, Tagovailoa missed five games, including the playoffs, after being in concussion protocol after he suffered multiple concussions throughout the year.
Last week, Miami picked up Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option, which will guarantee him $23.2M in 2024. Last year, Tagovailoa was an MVP candidate for a period before his injuries as he passed for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions while completing 64.8% of his passes.
As for the Jets, they’re still waiting on word from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on if he will ask for a trade from Green Bay. With the Jets looking to upgrade their starting quarterback situation, a reunion with White was unlikely as they remain committed to developing Wilson.