Dolphins reach deal with backup QB, local product Mike White and LB David Long to start free agency

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 after one play in his Week 5 start at the Jets, as well as knee and finger injuries. The combination of ailments thrust Thompson into significant playing time as a seventh-round rookie in 2022, including a playoff start at Buffalo. Bridgewater was 49 of 79 for 683 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions with Miami.

The Dolphins were not in the market for a starting-caliber quarterback to replace or compete with Tagovailoa. General manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel have both stated a commitment to Tagovailoa for at least the 2023 season. Communicating to him Friday that the organization will exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract shows he will likely remain the starter through 2024.

On the Jets’ end, they appear to be in significant talks with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, an aging future Hall of Famer.

White was up and down when inserted in at quarterback for New York over the past two seasons. In his two wins, he threw three touchdowns, was over 300 yards — surpassing 400 once — and completing around 80 percent of passes. He also had a no-touchdown, four-interception game against the Bills in 2021, and his final appearance last season was a 23-6 loss at Seattle that eliminated the Jets from playoff contention before their regular-season finale against the Dolphins.

Elsewhere Monday, one of the biggest moves involved top right tackle Mike McGlinchey going to the Denver Broncos. There was some thought Miami could pursue a big free-agent right tackle, but the reported five years and $87.5 million he received was a pricey figure.

The Dolphins could also be looking at free-agent options at inside linebacker, and a domino fell with Tremaine Edmunds going from the Bills to the Chicago Bears.

Former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is on his way to the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite with coach Josh McDaniels. The two were together in New England.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave went from the Philadelphia Eagles to the 49ers on a reported four-year, $84 million deal, possibly an indicator for what Miami’s Christian Wilkins can make in an extension with the team.

The Dolphins plan to sign Tennessee inside linebacker David Long, a league source confirmed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. ESPN reported the contract is a two-year, $11 million deal.

Long, a 2019 sixth-round pick of the Titans out of West Virginia, totaled 86 tackles in 12 starts last season, including seven tackles for loss, two interceptions and three quarterback hits. Long ended the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, missing the final five games.

Long sustained the injury chasing Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on a run play in the second quarter of the Titans’ Dec. 4 game at Philadelphia. Long was the Titans’ leading tackler at the time.

Long was limited to 10 games in 2021 due to injuries.

Long has potential as a three-down starter because he has good coverage skills.

For his career Long has played in 50 games, making 26 starts, 230 tackles, 15 tackles for losses, and four interceptions.

The Dolphins have Jerome Baker under contract at inside linebacker with fellow 2022 starter Elandon Roberts eligible for free agency. Top backup linebacker Duke Riley will re-sign with Miami on a two-year deal, according to ESPN.