New York Jets quarterback Mike White (5) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) (Godofredo A. Vásquez, AP)
The Jets would love to have Mike White back with the team.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh made that clear during his Zoom press conference with the local media on Thursday.
However, Saleh and the Jets will have some competition for the popular backup quarterback this offseason as he will be a free agent on March 15.
White, who was born in Pembroke Pines and attended University School, made a radio appearance on Miami’s 560 WQAM Friday morning and told “The Joe Rose Show” he would like to return to the Jets but understands the nature of the business.
“The locker room’s fantastic, I talk to those guys every day,” White said. “Things in this league change so fast and situations are so fluid and who knows what’s going to happen. Coach Saleh can say one thing and things can change in a week or so and plans change.
“I know how the NFL works and I’m never gonna take anything too personal, but I really like the Jets coaching staff. I really like that locker room and I would love to be back.”
White has spent the last four seasons in the Jets organization, starting out on the practice squad before moving up the depth chart to backup QB and the occasional No. 1. He has started seven games over the last two seasons.
After Zach Wilson was benched following an embarrassing loss to the Patriots in November, White became Gang Green’s starting quarterback and started four games. He passed for 1,192 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions as the Jets went 1-3 during that span.
White, who was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2018 draft, suffered a rib injury against the Bills on Dec. 11 and was briefly knocked out of the game before returning after a negative X-ray. But he missed the following two games against the Lions and Jaguars after finding out he had five fractured ribs.
White returned for the Jets’ 23-6 loss against the Seahawks in Week 17, but he reaggravated his rib injury and missed the season finale loss against the Dolphins.
“Definitely fully healed now,” White said about the injury. “It was a tough road, some sleepless nights and definitely hurt to cough and trying not to laugh too much, but we’re all good now.”
The Jets are evaluating their quarterback position this offseason and are expected to sign or trade for a veteran signal-caller. Gang Green has met with former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr twice, including at the NFL Combine earlier this week. The Jets also remain interested in Packers superstar Aaron Rodgers, 39, who continues to evaluate his future.
Although the Jets might be interested in White returning to the team, he is possibly a candidate to sign with the Dolphins in free agency. Miami is looking for a veteran backup QB this offseason behind Tua Tagovailoa. White is one of the potential players Miami could target, according to sources.
Growing up in the South Florida area, White was a huge Dolphins fan. So naturally, White would love the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends.
“Oh, hundred percent,” White said about the opportunity to sign with the Dolphins. “Selfishly, from a personal standpoint, obviously growing up down there, I’d love to go home. But from a football standpoint, it’s a very talented offense, really good, young group of guys. You can tell they’re starting to build something special down there. I would love to be a part of it.”
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Originally published at Tribune News Service