Sometimes you can come home.
After four seasons with the Jets, quarterback Mike White will sign a two-year deal with the rival Dolphins, according to a source. ESPN reports that White’s contract will be worth $16 million as Miami now upgrades its backup quarterback position.
White was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale while attending high school at the University before going to college in South Florida and then 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 missed time with five broken ribs he suffered against the Bills in December. He aggravated the same rib injury against the Seahawks when he missed the final game of the season against the Dolphins.
Last year, the Dolphins had Teddy Bridgewater and rookie seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson as backups to starter Tua Tagovailoa. However, Bridgewater missed several 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 stability to the veterans 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 put on concussion protocol after suffering multiple concussions throughout the year.
Last week, Miami picked up Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option, which will guarantee him $23.2 million in 2024. Last year, Tagovailoa was an MVP candidate for a period before his injuries, passing for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions while shooting 64.8. % of the passes from him.
As for the Jets, they are still waiting to hear from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on whether he will request a trade from Green Bay. With the Jets looking to improve their starting quarterback situation, a reunion with White was unlikely as they remain committed to Wilson’s development.
