Bears Release Veteran Quarterback PJ Walker, per Report
The Bears released veteran quarterback P.J. Walker on Sunday, according to a report by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
The 28-year-old signal-caller signed with the Bears in March after spending three seasons with Carolina. He appeared in six games for the Panthers last season, passing for 731 yards three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Walker was a sensation in the XFL's inaugural season in 2020, leading the league in passing yards (1,338) and touchdown passes (15) while helping the Houston Roughnecks get off to an undefeated 5-0 record. However, the league cancelled the remainder of its season due to the coronavirus pandemic and eventually folded.
Despite signing a two-year deal with Chicago that guaranteed him $2 million, Walker struggled immensely this preseason, posting a dismal 14.6 passer rating in two preseason games.
The release of Walker signals that rookie Tyson Begent has earned the backup quarterback role behind Justin Fields. The former Division II standout at Shepherd University impressed enough this summer to earn the trust of head coach Matt Eberflus.