The Seattle Seahawks have added a new third quarterback, a familiar name for fans who recall one of Seattle’s more dramatic victories last season.
Former XFL quarterback P.J. Walker has agreed to terms with the Seahawks, according to the Seattle Times. Walker previously played in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns.
Initially, the Seahawks brought in undrafted rookie Chevan Cordeiro as the third quarterback right after the NFL Draft, but he was released following rookie minicamp. None of the tryout players, including former Maryland starter Taulia Tagovailoa, secured a contract to be the third quarterback behind Geno Smith and Sam Howell.
Walker brings with him the experience of 21 games and 9 starts in the NFL. Seahawks fans might remember Walker from last October when he substituted for the injured Deshaun Watson. During that game, Seattle came from behind to win 24-20 after a crucial third-down pass from Walker bounced off Jamal Adams’ helmet and was intercepted by Julian Love, leading to the game-winning touchdown. Walker completed 15 of 31 passes for 248 yards, with 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, and a lost fumble in that game.
Seattle had considered signing Walker back in 2020 after his impressive performance with the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks, where he completed 119 of 184 passes (64.7%) for 1,338 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions in five games before the league shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Carolina signed Walker instead, and he stayed with them for three seasons. Despite a costly penalty and missed PAT that led to a loss, Walker’s career highlight in the NFL remains a remarkable throw in that game.
Walker’s NFL career stats include 185 completions out of 339 attempts (54.6%) for 2,135 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
To make room for Walker, Seattle will need to release a player, as their 90-man roster is currently full, with an additional exemption for offensive lineman Max Pircher through the International Player Pathway program.
