While much remains to be seen regarding Carolina’s future at the quarterback position, the team took care of a small piece of business on Monday. Joe Person of The Athletic reports (via Twitter) that the Panthers are bringing back P.J. Walker on a one-year deal.
The 26-year-old was set to be an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason, but the move means he will stick around in Charlotte and be in contention to be the team’s backup signal caller. Walker made five appearances in 2021, including one start in Week 10 against the Cardinals. He put up 167 passing yards and an interception in the 34-10 win. For his career, the former undrafted free agent has a 55.7% completion percentage, 730 passing yards and two touchdowns go along with eight interceptions.
As for the Panthers’ other quarterbacks from this season, Cam Newton still wants to play in the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith. The pending free agent will look for the right fit but expressed a willingness to sign on as a backup if a starting spot doesn’t become available. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold is still under contract for the 2022 season with a guaranteed salary of just over $18.5M. His erratic play throughout his first season in Carolina leaves many feeling the Panthers will be active in the quarterback market this offseason, though.
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