The Panthers made a few extremely interesting moves on Monday, radically changing the outlook for their quarterback depth chart. First, they signed former Colts QB P.J. Walker, who lit up the XFL and was the favorite to win their MVP before the season ended. Then, Carolina traded Kyle Allen to the Redskins in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.
Together, the two moves mean the Panthers believe Walker is their top backup quarterback now behind Teddy Bridgewater, who finally signed with the team yesterday.
The more we learn about this Walker transaction, the more we like it. According to Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, Walker has agreed to a two-year contract worth just $1.565 million. Here are the details.
How badly did the #Panthers want QB P.J. Walker after he lit up the XFL? Source says they gave Walker a two-year, $1.565 million contract that includes a $150,000 signing bonus and a $25,000 workout bonus next year. Nice deal for a street free agent.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2020
Nice deal indeed.
While the competition he faced in the XFL was certainly lower than what he’ll see in the NFL, Walker oozed potential in those five games. He might be about as dynamic as any backup in the league at the moment.
When we graded the first wave of moves in free agency, our highest mark was for signing wide receiver/kick returner Pharoh Cooper to a cheap one-year deal. This Walker signing is our new favorite.
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