SEATTLE — A look at what’s happening around the New York Jets:
1. Chance of a lifetime: Mike White gets first dibs on the 2023 quarterback job, which appears open in the wake of Zach Wilson’s second benching. Not only will he face playoff-like intensity Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox), but White has the added pressure of playing for his future. He will be an unrestricted free agent, which means a potentially nice payday.
If White plays well, wins the last two games and leads the Jets to the playoffs, he could command a contract in the neighborhood of two years, $30 million, including $20 million guaranteed, according to an agent who represents prominent quarterbacks. The agent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, projected a floor of $10 million to $12 million per year.
White has “enough good games on tape” to attract teams looking for a “bridge” quarterback, the agent said, also mentioning White’s age (27) and familiarity with the popular West Coast/Shanahan offense as selling points.
Will the Jets try to re-sign him as their starter?
Even if White ends with a flurry, it doesn’t guarantee the QB1 job. The organization would evaluate all options, weighing White versus other available quarterbacks. That list could include the Las Vegas Raiders’ Derek Carr, who probably will be cut or traded within three days of the Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo, due to become a free agent, would be a consideration because of his background with members of the Jets’ staff.
White is a fan and locker room favorite, but he has only six career starts (2-4). The Jets’ regime — facing a possible make-or-break year in 2023 — might prefer a more proven player with so much at stake. White has two games (or more) to state his case, although he insisted he won’t fall into the trap of thinking ahead. He learned that lesson last year. He’s trying…
