The Panthers Signing XFL Star PJ Walker is Going to Be the Feel Good Story of 2020 NFL Season
By Jerry Trotta
After spending two years on the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad learning under the likes of Andrew Luck and Jacoby Brissett, PJ Walker is rightfully getting another crack at the NFL.
In a true feel good story, the Carolina Panthers have signed the XFL star to a one-year contract. Of course, Walker was the quarterback of the Houston Roughnecks and lit up the XFL in its shortened 2020 season. He carried Houston to a 5-0 record while leading the league with 1,338 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.
The #Panthers are signing QB P.J. Walker, source said. Another NFL shot for the XFL star.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 23, 2020
At least for right now, all is right in the world. He deserved a job with an NFL team.
No matter when the XFL season ended, Walker was going to receive a handful of phone calls about a potential return to the NFL. The 25-year-old may have been deprived of an MVP award and a shot at leading the Roughnecks to a championship, but this is undoubtedly an adequate silver lining. Better still, Walker will be reuniting with Matt Rhule, who coached him at Temple for four seasons (2013-2016).
The Panthers, meanwhile, weren't finished making moves on this Monday. Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Carolina landed free agent linebacker Tahir Whitehead, who registered 108 combined tackles for the Oakland Raiders in 2019.
Former #Raiders LB Tahir Whitehead is signing with the #Panthers on a 1-year deal, source said. A solid signing late In free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2020
It's a new week in NFL free agency, and the Panthers are off to a blazing start.