XFL free agents that the Redskins should be interested in signing
3. QB PJ Walker, Houston Roughnecks
Some may be surprised to see the presumptive XFL MVP at No. 3 overall on this list. After all, didn’t PJ Walker prove that he was one of the most talented players in the XFL? And doesn’t he deserve a shot to earn a backup quarterback job at the NFL level?
The short answer to that question is yes. But for the Redskins purposes, they already have a young quarterback in Dwayne Haskins. They may want a veteran backup to pair with Haskins if Alex Smith isn’t ready to start the season. So, that pushes Walker down the list of potential targets.
Still, Walker should interest the Redskins. He undeniably has upside, he has experience in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, and he’s only 25, so he has a lot of time to improve. He could end up developing into a quality backup and even if the ‘Skins bring in another veteran QB, adding Walker would be a sensible option.
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In half a season as the Roughnecks starter, Walker led the XFL in passing yards with 1,338, passing TDs with 15, and completed 65 percent of his passes while attempting a league-high 184 passes. He was every bit as good as those numbers indicate, showed good pocket mobility and field vision, and showed an ability to throw the ball accurately with strength and touch on many occasions.
It was rare to see Walker struggle at any point. And even when he did, he was only a little bit off. If he can keep improving, that will give him a shot at becoming a rock-solid backup at the NFL level.
Walker may be a hot commodity for teams even with this year’s free-agent quarterback class and draft class being strong at the position. Teams will want to add him cheap to have him compete for a backup job. His former college coach, Matt Rhule, is now in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers, so that could ultimately be where he lands.
If the Redskins don’t feel like competing for Walker’s services, they could target a veteran XFL quarterback like Josh Johnson, who played half a season for the Redskins, or another young guy with upside like Jordan Ta’amu. There are a few options for the team to consider at this position if they so desire.