On the first day of free agency, the Miami Dolphins found their backup quarterback.
The Dolphins and former New York Jets quarterback Mike White have agreed to terms, according to a league source. The deal is reportedly for two years and worth up to $16 million, according to ESPN.
It’s a homecoming for White, the Pembroke Pines product and former Broward County high school football standout at University School, which stands on the same Nova Southeastern University campus as the Dolphins’ old practice facility in Davie.
The move kicked off the two-day negotiating period of free agency for the Dolphins on Monday after the team pulled off the immense trade for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey on Sunday. Free agents can officially sign with a new team beginning 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Over the past two seasons with the Jets, White, who turns 28 on March 25, has played in eight games with seven starts. He was 2-5 in those starts, completed 62.2 percent of passes for 2,145 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Adding the former USF and Western Kentucky college quarterback who was a fifth-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, marks the third consecutive offseason the Dolphins bring home a local product to back up Tua Tagovailoa. Last offseason, it was Miami Northwestern High grad Teddy Bridgewater, and in 2021, it was former Dwyer High standout Jacoby Brissett.
“I’m proud of Mike and all he’s accomplished around the country over the years,” White’s high school coach Roger Harriott, who now leads storied St. Thomas Aquinas, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in a text message. “He’s a great leader, role model, and inspiration for our youth community. The most impressive aspect of Mike’s homecoming is that he’s returning as a devoted husband, father, and family man with positive forces.”
White, who had previously told South Florida radio station 560-AM he was interested in a return to South Florida, will likely be part of a competition for No. 2 quarterback duties, as Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said rising second-year passer Skylar Thompson will get a chance at the backup role.
The move for White, who crosses rivals within the AFC East division, indicates the Dolphins are moving on from Bridgewater. Miami’s 2022 signing to back up Tagovailoa did not finish either of his two starts made while Tagovailoa went on separate stints in concussion protocol.
Bridgewater himself dealt with protocol …read more
Source:: The Mercury News