The Chicago Bears found out last season how inadequate their backup quarterback situation was. Both Trevor Siemian and Nathan Peterman were unable to fill the shoes of Justin Fields while running the offense. GM Ryan Poles needed to find somebody who could. A few days into the start of the new league year, he got his guy. The Bears reached an agreement with former XFL star and Carolina Panther QB P.J. Walker. He is one of the coolest stories in recent years and also a great fit for the system.
Walker made a name for himself at Temple University, where he became a quality starter for the program. It wasn’t enough to get him drafted. He signed on with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Things didn’t work out. After bouncing around for a year, he decided to take a gamble by signing with the Houston Roughnecks of the upstart XFL. There he became a breakout star, leading the league in passing and throwing 15 touchdowns with just four interceptions. That earned him a spot in Carolina, where he became their backup quarterback for the next three seasons.
Walker behind Justin Fields makes sense for two reasons.
For one, he has mobility. Walker showed many times that he can move around, keeping plays alive. That is something this offense leans on with Fields. The QB has to be able to sell the run-pass options. Then there is the established connection with D.J. Moore. The two connected on some big plays together last season, including that memorable Hail Mary against Atlanta. If Walker were forced to step in, it makes sense the Bears would want somebody that already has chemistry with one of their top targets.
This is a smart signing by the Bears. Walker has the physical profile to run their offense, a solid arm, and experience as a backup. Justin Fields won’t have to look over his shoulder at him. The two should work well together. It also should erase any lingering ideas the team might draft a quarterback in this class. They will maintain their focus elsewhere.
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