5 big questions facing the Carolina Panthers at quarterback in 2021
By Dean Jones
Can P.J. Walker carve out a future with the Carolina Panthers?
The 2020 season was not a complete disaster from P.J. Walker‘s point of view. He managed to get some time on the field and even secured his first-ever career win with an impressive showing against the Detroit Lions when Teddy Bridgewater was out injured.
Walker ended his campaign on a sour note with multiple turnovers in the season finale against the New Orleans Saints when the Carolina Panthers finally put Bridgewater out of his misery. This leaves more questions than answers surrounding his long-term future with the franchise, which will become clearer after training camp and the regular season.
The former XFL MVP candidate’s previous relationship with Matt Rhule from their time together at Temple might have served him well last season. But if strides aren’t made in the coming weeks then his overall aspirations of an extended stay in Carolina are bleak.
Rhule stated he is looking forward to seeing Walker and Will Grier on the field in preseason games, which could be the deciding factor behind which of them is going to back up Sam Darnold consistently in 2021.
Walker has something a little bit different in terms of mobility and making things happen outside of the pocket. He might be the current favorite to win the second spot on the depth chart, but nothing is set in stone just yet.