4 Panthers players Scott Fitterer shouldn’t give up on in 2021
By Dean Jones
P.J. Walker – Carolina Panthers QB
The calls for P.J. Walker to replace Teddy Bridgewater down the stretch were deafening. However, once he was finally thrown into the lineup in their season finale against the New Orleans Saints, it was an audition he failed miserably.
Walker was thrown to the wolves in a similar fashion to Will Grier at the backend of 2019. The Carolina Panthers’ protection was no match for the Saints on this occasion and it resulted in the former XFL star throwing three picks and being under constant duress during his time under center.
However, the level of production demonstrated by Walker in his only start against the Detroit Lions should tell new general manager Scott Fitterer that the signal-caller might be of some use moving forward.
This might not be in a starting role. But Walker is a good backup option that could be used in some specific RPO packages with a little more experience under his belt in 2021.
Matt Rhule clearly thinks a lot of Walker, who played for the coach during their time together in college. There are some serious questions surrounding Bridgewater’s long-term future with the franchise, with speculation mounting regarding a possible bombshell trade for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson not going away anytime soon.
Whether Watson arrives or not, Walker still has a part to play providing the Panthers can look beyond the last impression he left in Week 17.