The XFL’s biggest standout is getting another NFL chance.
Quarterback P.J. Walker is signing with the Carolina Panthers, according to multiple reports. Walker, 25, starred for the Houston Roughnecks of the newest version of the XFL, whose season was cancelled before it was completed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the five-game XFL season, Walker led the league in yards passing (1,338), passing touchdowns (15), completions (119) and attempts (184).
Walker spent some time on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad from 2017-19 after going undrafted out of Temple. It is his college coach, Matt Rhule, who is giving him another opportunity to prove he can play in the NFL.
Rhule, a Giants coaching target who left Baylor to become the new Panthers coach, coached Walker at Temple for Walker’s entire collegiate career from 2013-16.
The Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $60 million deal to be their new starting quarterback as the team tries to trade longtime starter Cam Newton. Walker will compete with Will Grier to be Bridgewater’s backup. Kyle Allen, who started 12 games for the Panthers last season while Newton was out with a foot injury, was reportedly traded Monday to the Washington Redskins for a fifth-round pick. Allen is reunited with former Panthers coach Ron Rivera.