Former All-Pro CB believes NY Jets QB Mike White is a 'franchise quarterback'

Mike White mania has once again consumed NY Jets fans and the greater NFL world. Following his three-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 12, White earned praise from a number of analysts and notable figures from the football community.

One of whom was former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman. Sherman spoke about White and the Jets' quarterback situation on a recent episode of "The Richard Sherman Podcast" and he didn't mince words when discussing how he feels about the Jets' new QB.

Sherman proudly proclaimed that "Mike White is a franchise quarterback" while insisting that people pay far too much attention to pedigree and draft status in the NFL.

The three-time All-Pro spoke about how Wilson's struggles and perceived lack of respect from his teammates were in stark contrast to everything White has done.

Sherman made the argument that if White was the one selected second overall, not Zach Wilson, people would be claiming the Jets "made the right pick" and "got a franchise guy." And you know what? He has a point.

Why can't Mike White be the NY Jets' franchise quarterback?

Why can't Mike White be the guy in Florham Park? Why can't White be the quarterback of both the present and future for the Jets?

It's obviously important not to get ahead of ourselves here. One excellent game against a bad Chicago Bears defense shouldn't be enough for anyone to declare him the solution just yet, especially after many were looking to send him packing in favor of Chris Streveler this summer.

Still, there's no reason why White can't be the guy if he continues to play well. The Jets continue to insist that they plan to insert Wilson back into the starting lineup at some point this season. They claim his benching is only temporary.

But if White continues to play well and, more importantly, the Jets continue to win, it'll be impossible to justify a change.

Mike White may not be the franchise quarterback that Sherman claims he is just yet, but he should be afforded every opportunity to prove that he can be that player. This is his job to lose.