In the last two seasons, quarterback Mike White has become a bit of a cult hero for the New York Jets fan base. In seasons when the team struggled, he provided a little bit of hope and optimism, outperforming virtually all expectations that were placed on him.
During his first career start in 2021 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Mike White shocked everyone. He completed 82.22 percent of his passes for 405 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in an upset victory.
An injury the following week against the Indianapolis Colts stalled what was another hot start. But, the wheels came off in Week 10 against the New England Patriots before Zach Wilson took over the starting role again.
2022 was a similar path. Mike White replaced Wilson in the starting lineup and had a huge first game against the Chicago Bears. He completed 78.57 percent of his passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions.
Mike White kept the Jets alive against the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills for the next two weeks, but the team fell short and he was injured. He returned to the lineup three weeks later against the Seattle Seahawks but it was a disastrous performance as the Jets lost in embarrassing fashion.
Now a free agent, Mike White could be on the move. He will likely have to wait until some of the bigger names are off the board in free agency, but he has his sights set on two franchises; the Miami Dolphins or returning to the Jets. JPAFootball on Twitter shared the update from The Joe Rose Show.
If the Jets re-sign Mike White, this offseason would likely be considered a failure for the franchise. The only way he comes back into the fold is if they strike out on all the other veterans such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Aaron Rodgers. With Wilson entrenched as the backup, there is no room for White unless a clear-cut starting option isn’t acquired.
Miami, however, would be a nice landing spot for him. The Dolphins need to make sure they have a capable backup behind Tua Tagovailoa with his long-term health up in the air.
His concussion history last season certainly brings pause to the plan that he is their locked-in long-term starter. White would provide the team with a player capable of stepping into the lineup and performing at a good level for a period of time until Tagovailoa is healthy enough to return.
