The first of what should be many XFL signings have taken place. It comes as no surprise that former Houston Roughnecks QB PJ Walker was the first to be acquired. The Carolina Panthers, after signing Teddy Bridgewater through free agency, have added Walker to their QB room. This addition should make for quite the battle for a roster spot. Currently, Carolina has 2nd year signal caller Will Grier and Kyle Allen, who filled in quite nicely for injured Cam Newton, on their roster.
XFL news: Former Houston Roughnecks QB PJ Walker is expected to sign with the #Panthers, source said. One of the stars of the XFL lands an NFL job.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2020
In the league’s brief history, he dazzled fans week after week. Had the inaugural XFL season not been unceremoniously cut short, it was widely believed that Walker would have been named as it’s MVP. PJ was an architect of one of the XFL’s top offenses. He passed for 1,338 yards and had 15 touchdowns to his credit. His ability to extend plays with his legs left defenses looking silly quite often. Be careful though to place the dual threat moniker on him. Walker was one of the top at his position when it came to accuracy as well. In 184 attempts, he completed 65% of his throws and had only 4 interceptions. PJ also excelled in decision-making and always had his offense in prime position to be successful.
Panthers have signed XFL star and former Temple QB @pjwalker_5. Was a clear fit from day one.
— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) March 23, 2020
Spent two seasons on the Colts practice squad (2017-18).
pic.twitter.com/EykxSQLvdM
A point of interest is that he will be joining his former coach while at Temple, Matt Rhule. While under Rhule’s tutelage, Walker passed for 10,668 yards and 74 touchdowns. He left Temple as the all time leader in pass attempts, completions, passing yards, touchdown passes, and total offense. One would have to think this could lead to a significant role in the Panthers’ offense.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
— Roughnecks Faithful (@RoughnecksFans) March 23, 2020
🏈PJ Walker being signed by the Carolina Panthers means he will be competing for the backup spot behind Teddy Bridgewater!!!
🏈He is reunited with his college coach Matt Rhule in Carolina!!!#XFL #NFLFreeAgency #NFL pic.twitter.com/G6VUjxcmT7
PJ Walker was incredible in such a brief stint with this fledgling league. It’s a shame that fans weren’t able to see the finished product. Maybe that is being placed on hold until the beginning of his next venture with the Panthers. The question now is, who will be the next to go? If the Panthers need additional receiver help, Walker’s teammate and arguably best at his position in the league, Cam Phillips, is available. It would be quite nice to see what this reunion could do in the “bigs”. In the meantime, congratulations to PJ Walker! This has been well earned.
Hard Work…. works
— PJ Walker (@pjwalker_5) March 5, 2020
I am a 2003 graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in Exercise Science. While at the Capstone, I served as a student assistant with the head strength and conditioning coach of the Crimson Tide football team. I have competed in both powerlifting and bodybuilding for several years. In addition, I have served athletes and people through the arena of personal training. Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I am a passionate fan of Alabama, but do not make other fan bases miserable because of it. College football has my heart first, but I cover all areas of sports. Follow me on Twitter: @justinriley7!