'Mutual interest' in the NY Jets re-signing Mike White this offseason

For a brief period of time, it seemed as though the NY Jets may have found their solution at the quarterback position in the unlikely Mike White. That glimmer of hope faded rather quickly, but White certainly showed that he can be a capable NFL quarterback this season.

Even if White isn't the long-term starter, the Jets could absolutely still consider bringing him back this offseason. With the former fifth-round pick set to hit free agency, the Jets and White will have a decision to make.

White met with reporters this week following the team's Week 18 loss to the Miami Dolphins and was asked about his future with the organization. He sounded optimistic when asked if he had interest in re-signing.

White told reporters that there was "mutual interest" between him and the Jets regarding a new contract this offseason. That said, he did make sure to note that "things can change quickly in the NFL."

The NY Jets have interest in re-signing Mike White this offseason

White started four games for the Jets in 2022, and while his first start against an injury-riddled Chicago Bears team was promising, he failed to recapture the magic of that first game.

White threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns to go along with a 78 percent completion percentage against the Bears, but he failed to score a single touchdown in his subsequent three starts.

The Jets' red-zone struggles extend beyond White and he played better than his numbers indicate down the stretch, but he clearly didn't do enough to convince the Jets — or any team for that matter — that he deserves a starting job in 2023.

That should work in the Jets' favor as they won't be competing with teams identifying White as a starting candidate. At best he should earn high-end backup money on the open market.

The Jets will likely pay a significant sum of money to whoever their starting quarterback is in 2023 which could affect their chances of re-signing White. There may be mutual interest, but they'll have to meet his asking price.

White might be looking for a deal similar to that of Tyrod Taylor (two years, $11 million) or Jacoby Brissett (one year, $465 million) this offseason. That's a high price for a backup quarterback, but the Jets should understand more than most teams the value of a good backup QB.

Mike White proved that he can be just that in 2022. Expect the Jets to look to bring him back.