The XFL’s only undefeated QB PJ Walker is already stirring up interest from the NFL after a 5-0 run with the Houston Roughnecks. He averaged 228 yards, 3 TD’s and less than 1 INT per game, and absolutely lit up the league in its inaugural season.
The Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals have all taken notice. Per FOX 26 Houston’s Mark Berman, these three teams have been asking about the star QB, and any of these teams would be a great fit.
Interestingly, they all pose vastly different opportunities and roles for Walker, and his signing will be guided by this fact.
Russell Wilson is entrenched as Seattle’s star franchise passer, but the team has struggled to find a suitable backup throughout his career. He’s currently the only rostered QB, and while they could bring back Geno Smith, Walker has much more upside. He could be a high-end backup to come in and win some games and has a similar playstyle/skillset to Wilson.
Kliff Kingsbury went out and got Kyler Murray, and it appears to be a solid pairing after one year. However, the Cardinals don’t have much in the way of depth, with Drew Anderson – Murray State as the only other passer on the team. With two second-year QB’s, the Cardinals could be looking for a veteran with starting experience to come in as QB2, and Walker has been in pro football since 2017 with 5 starts to his name.
Denver, who is banking on Drew Lock after 5 solid starts in his rookie year could potentially be his best bet to compete, or even see the field. Lock is Elway’s guy, but if a sophomore slump becomes evident, Walker could get a shot. They recently signed Jeff Driskel, but the XFL star looks like he has a higher ceiling.
He has everything a coach could want in a QB, from his arm talent, mobility and vision to his uncanny pocket feel, this guy can do it all, and do it at a high level.
While he’s a pass first kind of QB, his ability to scramble and pick up yards on the ground is something that is now coveted in the football world.
It’s looking more and more like the XFL’s highlight machine will be making the jump to the NFL, and while the Roughnecks would certainly miss him next year it could actually be good for the league.
The Roughnecks still will likely have Connor Cook, and if an XFL breakout player makes it in the NFL and carves out a solid role it’s just more incentive for talented players to give the XFL a shot.
Marcus Chamberlain
March 21, 2020 at 4:44 am
I hope PJ is given the opportunity to start in the NFL or continue to start in NFL he is a great talent. he reminds me of NFL hall of famers Brett Favre and Dan Marino wrapped up in one mega star. he is a great player hope he gets to the next level and succeds at that level
Dude
March 22, 2020 at 4:45 pm
Arizona is his best move. Could post big numbers if Murray got hurt, plus has plenty of talented WRs. Terrible O-line may get him killed though.
Seattle is 2nd solid supporting cast and Wilson is a great person to learn from, but unless the offense changes, you will be stuck throwing small ball. Seattle’s offense only explodes when Wilson calls the plays or extends them. Schottenheimer is terrible or Pete Carroll is forcing him to call plays from 1985.
Denver is a mess, go there if they offer the most money. You might start but you’ll be throwing to Sutton every play and likely to end up throwing lots of interceptions.