Report: Former XFL quarterback P.J. Walker to sign with Carolina Panthers

Temple quarterback P.J. Walker (11) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against SMU on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, in Dallas. Temple won 60-40. (Tony Gutierrez/AP)

Despite its recent shutdown due to COVID-19, the XFL is already opening doors for former players to find new jobs.

Quarterback P.J. Walker, one of the league’s stars during its brief season, is expected to sign with the Carolina Panthers, according to the NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport.

Monday marks the first day that XFL players are free to sign with NFL or CFL teams, and Walker was among the players expected to move on to a new league.

In five games with the Houston Roughnecks, Walker posted league-highs in passing yards (1,338) and touchdowns (15). The 25-year-old spent time on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad from 2017-19.

Walker is a logical fit with the Panthers due to his connection to Carolina head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule was Walker’s head coach during his time spent in college football at Temple from 2013-16.

The Panthers recently signed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year deal worth $63 million, so Walker is likely competing with Kyle Allen for the backup role.

Allen had a 5-7 record last season as part of a 5-11 Panthers’ campaign that resulted in the team missing the playoffs for the third time in four years.

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