P.J. Walker is heading to Chicago. The Bears have reached an agreement with the free agent quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
Walker was an impending restricted free agent but was ultimately non-tendered by the Panthers. Walker’s camp apparently moved quickly, with Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweeting that the QB is signing a two-year deal with Chicago. The deal has a max value of $5MM and includes a $1MM signing bonus.
The 2017 undrafted free agent out of Temple spent the past three seasons with the Panthers. The organization gave him a starting look each season, with the Panthers going 4-3 in those seven contests. In total, Walker has completed 57.5 percent of his pass attempts for 1,461 yards, five touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Walker got an extended look this past season, starting five games for the Panthers. He finished the campaign having tossed three touchdowns vs. three interceptions. That long look partly convinced the Panthers to look elsewhere this offseason, and the writing was on the wall when the organization acquired the No. 1 pick (which will presumably be used on a QB) and signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
So, Walker is off to Chicago, where he’ll presumably serve as Justin Fields‘ backup. The team is also still rostering Trevor Siemian, who inked a two-year deal with the team last offseason.
I’d rather draft one with a late pick….
For real. A late round pick on Cunningham or Thompson-Robinson
I like this move, Trevor Siemian seems like a fine human, but oooof I don’t wanna watch him backup Fields ever again
I don’t blame you, but why are you telling me specifically?
Well played
I guess the Bears are now operating like the White Sox. I was hoping Poles wouldn’t be just another dumpster diver.
Nobody loves B-teamers more than Cubs fans.
Yeah. Sox fans love Elvis Andrus more than Ricobene’s.
ChiSoxCity has the worst Napoleon complex I’ve ever seen.
Seems like a solid backup type. With Simian as the backup the team had to basically have 2 seperate playbooks. One for Fields and one if Fields got hurt. To the people saying they’d rather use a late round pick on a backup QB. You need someone who’s actually played in the league as a backup. Nothing wrong with still drafting someone with a late round pick this year or next as starting them out on practice squad.
Well better than Semian. They needed at least a guy who plays somewhat similar to Fields and that isn’t Semian. At least with this guy the whole offense doesn’t have to change. i still think they’ll draft somebody. A good choice would be Hendon from Tenn. He’s hurt and could be placed on IR and brought along slowly. Getsy and Hendon were lie Siamese Twins at the Senior Bowl.
I’m intrigued by Hooker as a developmental prospect, but weird to realize he’s more than a year older than Fields.
Another RB at QB position
He has 228 career passing attempts and 18 career rushing attempts. Gee, I wonder what would lead you to make this comment about him.
These comments are odd – it’s almost as if no one looked at Walker’s stats, as one (1) rush per game does not indicate he is a running QB. He is basically a shorter, younger, version of Siemian i.e., just a guy when it comes to playing QB in the NFL.
I believe the word “racist” is what you’re looking for, sir.
Seriously. There was a dude on here who said Bryce Young plays QB like a running back. Funny how you never see the same people on here talk about Josh Allen that way, when he rushes more than 100 times a year.
RaCiSt!!!
Just watched the Carolina/ATL game film and I have to take back my earlier comment. He seems like a good fit in the Bears offensive scheme.
XFL baby
It’s actually the better career course for a marginal QB who has ambitions beyond holding a clipboard.
well it’s always going to be about getting in the league.
but certainly gives guys a chance to put out more tape than sitting around camp.
this guy and Heineke both extended their careers and got 53 man contracts out of it.
definitely think we’ll see Ben DiNucci get a similar look in the NFL if he keeps up the good work in Seattle
Hands on experience is always the best teacher even if you aren’t yet at the top tier of competition. It’s also hard to maintain a positive mental attitude and focus on improving skills if you only get to sit in meetings rather than participate.