The Seattle Seahawks have added a new quarterback to their lineup.
P.J. Walker is joining the team after stints with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks.
Originally an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts, Walker transitioned to the XFL where he showcased his skills before returning to the NFL. He played with the Panthers for three seasons and spent the 2023 season with the Browns.
Walker had a standout performance in the XFL, leading the league in passing through five games in 2020 before the season was cut short due to the pandemic.
In Seattle, Walker will compete with Geno Smith and Sam Howell for a role in the quarterback lineup, likely aiming to secure the backup position behind Smith.
Walker Was 5-0 and Leading The XFL in Passing Yards in 2020
Walker has settled in Seattle, where he will serve as a backup to starter Geno Smith alongside Sam Howell. Earlier this year, the Seahawks released Chevan Cordeiro.
For the 2024 season, Walker will earn a base salary of $1.125 million. As a vested veteran with over four accrued seasons, and having signed a contract with a base salary at the veteran minimum level and minimal bonuses, he qualifies for the veteran salary benefit. Consequently, only $985,000 of his salary will count against the Seahawks’ salary cap. Additionally, he has a $20,000 roster bonus, which will not impact the cap unless he earns it, though the Seahawks have structured it to be unlikely.
Despite being a backup, Walker has started at least one game in each of the last four seasons and has appeared in a total of 21 games.
Signing Walker adds another experienced veteran to the Seahawks’ quarterback room alongside Smith. Howell, on the other hand, has played 18 games, all with the Washington Commanders, starting one game in 2022 and all 17 in 2023, but he is still relatively young with only two seasons in the NFL.
In contrast, Walker has twice as much NFL experience, including a stint in the XFL, and has benefited from two additional seasons of NFL practices and coaching compared to Howell.
In terms of Seattle’s new offense, the team is undergoing significant changes. Quarterback Drew Lock has departed for the New York Giants, while Shane Waldron, last season’s offensive coordinator, has taken the same role with the Chicago Bears. Former head coach Pete Carroll has moved into an executive position.
With Walker and Howell backing up Smith, the Seahawks have two quarterbacks with starting experience, including one veteran. Under the guidance of young head coach Mike McDonald and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who arrives from the University of Washington, there is optimism about the potential of the team’s offense.
| P.J. Walker’s Stats (2020-2023) | |
|---|---|
| Games | 21 |
| Attempts | 339 |
| Completions | 185 |
| Touchdowns | 6 |
| Interceptions | 16 |
| Times Sacked | 29 |
| Quarterback Rating | 60.0 |
Having receivers like D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba certainly strengthens the Seahawks’ offensive arsenal.
With Walker and Howell now backing up Smith, the Seahawks have two dependable quarterbacks ready to step in if Smith is injured or underperforms. The backup quarterback role is crucial, and Seattle has secured a solid insurance policy.
Moreover, the financial impact on the salary cap is manageable, which is beneficial for the team’s overall financial planning.
While it remains uncertain if the Seahawks can surpass their 9-8 record from 2023, the team is actively bolstering its roster in various areas. This proactive approach is essential, particularly when implementing a new offensive scheme under the guidance of a new head coach and offensive coordinator.
Overall, Seattle’s strategy of strengthening depth and managing resources wisely positions them well for the challenges ahead in the upcoming season.
