Quarterback P.J. Walker (11) impressed in the XFL. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers sign standout XFL QB P.J. Walker to back up Teddy Bridgewater

An XFL standout has worked his way back to the NFL.

With Cam Newton likely to be traded or released after the Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater last week, Carolina made it a priority to seek a talented backup QB for Bridgewater.

Thus, the Panthers signed star XFL quarterback P.J. Walker, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The 25-year-old was likely on his way to being named the XFL's Most Valuable Player after throwing 15 touchdowns with 1,338 yards and a 5-0 record.

Walker will return to the NFL after a practice squad stint with the Indianapolis Colts and reunite with new Panthers coach Matt Rhule, who coached him in college at Temple.

With Newton's status still up in the air, the Panthers clearly needed a backup, and they went with a guy who knows exactly what Rhule expects in the QB room.

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