Quarterback P.J. Walker has signed a new contract with the Chicago Bears. Walker, a former undrafted quarterback and XFL star, has spent the last three years of his career thus far with the Carolina Panthers.
Former Panthers’ QB PJ Walker reached agreement tonight with the Chicago Bears, per source. He now becomes the likely backup to Justin Fields.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2023
P.J. Walker, Chicago Bears, Agree to Contract
Walker’s road to the NFL has been one of the more unorthodox journeys than other fellow quarterbacks. After four years as the starting quarterback at Temple, Walker went on to the process to be potentially drafted in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Walker saw his first disappointment in the league by going undrafted. He found his first opportunity in the NFL by signing with the Indianapolis Colts on May 3, 2017 as an undrafted free agent. He was eventually waived by the Colts on September 2, but was picked up to the Colts’ practice squad the following day. Walker found himself on the Colts’ practice squad for two full seasons. The Colts cut Walker two days after signing him to the practice squad for his third season on September 2, 2019.
One month later, Walker found a chance to extend his professional career by finding himself one of the tier one quarterback allocations for the 2020 XFL Draft to the Houston Roughnecks. With the rebirth season of the XFL starting in the spring of 2020, it was a chance for Walker to revitalize his career. In the five weeks the XFL played before being canceled due to the impact of COVID-19, Walker was one of the biggest stars of the league. Walker led the Roughnecks to an undefeated record of 5-0 as he also led the league in passing yards (1,338) and touchdowns (15).
After the XFL League dissolved, Walker was given a second chance in the NFL by signing a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. Walker joined a crowded quarterback group that included Teddy Bridgewater in 2020, Sam Darnold in 2021 and 2022 and Baker Mayfield in 2022.
Walker played in 15 games for the Panthers in the last three seasons as he started in seven of them. He has a record of 4-3 as the starting quarterback. In his three years at Carolina, Walker completed 131-of-228 of his passes for 1,461 yards, five touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 66 first downs.
Main Photo: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
