Ex-Jets Fan Favorite QB Quietly Cut By Bengals
Former New York Jets fan favorite quarterback Mike White was released cut from the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad.
White, 30, spent two years with the Jets, where he earned his only seven NFL starts. He went 2-5 with 2,145 yards and eight touchdowns in his time with the Jets. White also threw 12 interceptions. But he captured the hearts of Jets fans and quickly became a fan favorite in New York.
NewsWeek's James Brizuela recently suggested the Bengals' decision to cut White from the practice squad could indicate a bigger move coming.
"Per multiple reports, the Bengals have released Mike White from their practice squad. This would normally not mean much had it been during training camp or preseason, but making a move like this right could indicate the team is searching or has found a replacement passer. The Bengals are 2-3, and if they want any chance at being playoff-ready by the time Burrow returns, there needs to be a major shakeup at the quarterback position. The AFC is loaded with talented teams, and Cincinnati is arguably one of those teams.
Bengals release ex-Jets fan favorite quarterback Mike White
"The issue is not having Burrow put the team in a terrible position. Browning did have a 4-3 record when he took over for Burrow in 2023, but he is now 1-2 in his first three starts in 2025. With eight interceptions through three starts, something needs to be done. Cincinnati needs to make a major play at quarterback and the release of White could signal that they will do so before the week ends. This is speculation regarding the timing of landing a new signal caller, but releasing a quarterback is a move that can generally precede adding a new one."
Regardless of what the Bengals are going to do at quarterback, the Jets have the opportunity to sign White to their practice squad. White is familiar with the franchise and could be a solid third or fourth option at quarterback for the Jets.
If White ever ends up playing for the Jets, that would mean the season is likely all but over. Still, adding him to the practice squad could get another veteran into the mix as the Jets continue to struggle.
Buccaneers have one big issue after beating Seahawks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to find ways to win football games. Although the path they've taken to earn those results has been different each week, the Bucs have given themselves the opportunity to win the game in the final moments each time.
And thanks to the stellar play of their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, they've managed to do exactly that in four out of their first five games of 2025.
Despite the team's early season success, though, there are still some issues that need to be sorted out. The injuries, of course, have been a huge disadvantage for the Buccaneers. Additionally, all phases of their special teams operations have been a complete disaster in almost every game.
Still, that doesn't sum up the extent of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' issues thus far.
Following the Bucs' thrilling 38-35 victory over the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday, there were plenty of positives to take away. But there was also one glaring issue that reared it's ugly head and almost cost them the game — the lack of pressure on Seattle's quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Darnold had what felt like all day to throw all game long out of a clean pocket, and for Tampa Bay's defense, which was without two of their top outside cornerbacks in Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison, that lack of pressure put a ton of pressure on the back end of the Buccaneers' defense. Seattle put 35 points on the board because of it.
Despite the undisputed talent of players like Yaya Diaby and Haason Reddick, the Bucs didn't record a single sack in the game.
It's worth noting that some of the Buccaneers' issues cross over on the venn diagram, as injuries have played a role in the Buccaneers' lack of pass rush. Losing Calijah Kancey so early in the season was a major hit to the Buccaneers' pass rush, as Kancey's presence alongside Vita Vea inside draws a lot of attention and ultimately frees up opportunities for the likes of Diaby and Reddick.
But even without Kancey, players of that caliber should be making more of an impact.
As it stands currently, the Buccaneers rank 23rd in the NFL in sacks this season with 10. For context, Atlanta, Green Bay and Pittsburgh all have more despite playing just four games compared to the Bucs' five. Not only that, but Tampa Bay's leader in that category is 347-pound DT Vita Vea, who has two. The team's 35-year-old ILB, Lavonte David, is second on the team with 1.5.
Bucs edge rushers need to step up
Diaby and Reddick each have just a single sack through the Buccaneers' first five games of 2025, which is tied with numerous defensive backs on the roster, including Tykee Smith, Antoine Winfield Jr., and their 5'10", 198-pound rookie nickel corner, Jacob Parrish.
Both Diaby and Reddick are also tied with Parrish in the TFL department, with each player having 3 on the year so far.
Considering the significance of the injuries the Buccaneers have dealt with so far in 2025, a 4-1 record is quite remarkable. That being said, the team needs to not only generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but get them on the ground, too.
Something has to change
Although generating pressure can come in many forms, there's no question that the Buccaneers need more from their two starting edge rushers. If those guys are unable to start making some serious progress in that area, then Todd Bowles will not have the luxury of rushing the passer with four. That would naturally take resources away from the middle and back levels of his defense, ultimately limiting the effectiveness of his scheme overall.
If the team is unable to produce more sacks, not only will they need to consider bolstering their pass rush through trade, but they will face an uphill battle when it comes to reaching their goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at year's end.
