As the AFC playoff picture took shape after the Chiefs clinched the top spot in Week 17, the Buffalo Bills made a decision to sign a third quarterback for the next playoffs, according to Ian Rapoport on X.
“The #Bills signed quarterback Mike White, who could get playing time with Josh Allen only making an appearance on Sunday, to the 53-man roster. He could also become an emergency QB in the playoffs now.
After leaving the game early in their 40-14 win over the New York Jets, Allen will not play much in Week 18 to preserve him for the upcoming playoffs.
Now, following their signing, the Bills quarterback room consists of Allen, Mitch Trubisky and Mike White.
Bills quarterback Mike White set to finish AFC East tour
After being a fifth-round pick in 2018 by the Dallas Cowboys, White would join the New York Jets in 2019, making his first appearance in the AFC East.
During his time with the Jets, White made eight appearances in 2021 and 2022, having his best season in 2022.
Throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Jets, White completed 62.2% of his passes for 2,145 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Although he showed promise in his 415-yard game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, he never developed into a starting-caliber quarterback with the Jets.
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Then, in 2023, White joined his second AFC East team, signing with the Miami Dolphins once Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion.
With the Dolphins, White only played 53 snaps. However, on those snaps, White completed 83.3% of passes for 74 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
So, with little opportunity to see the field, the Dolphins released White ahead of the 2024 season, with the Bills signing him to their practice squad a few days later.
Now, as the Bills look to make a deep playoff run, they have bolstered their quarterback space, re-signing White as an emergency third option.
After both 49ers quarterbacks were injured in the NFC Championship Game, the NFL revised its quarterback emergency rule.
And with the Bills’ starting quarterback’s playing style, having an emergency third option is a smart move for Buffalo.
