3 winners and 3 losers from the Carolina Panthers signing of Cam Newton
By Jason Huber
P.J. Walker – Carolina Panthers QB
When Sam Darnold was declared out for multiple weeks with his injury, P.J. Walker was penciled in as the next man up at quarterback.
Walker has had a very rocky career in the NFL from being placed back-and-forth on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad for a few years, to starring in the XFL, to being signed by the Carolina Panthers last year.
Nobody ever expected Walker to be anything more than a backup in the league. When he started one game last season, he didn’t show anything to prove otherwise despite brief flashes against the Detroit Lions.
However, this opportunity would’ve been much different.
The Panthers are still in the playoff hunt despite reeling and there was no other major competition that could’ve beaten out Walker for the starting quarterback spot with Darnold on the sidelines.
Cam Newton was the only real threat on the free-agent market that could come in and immediately take Walker’s job. That’s exactly what happened.
Walker will get the start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, according to Matt Rhule. But even if the former Temple star performs great, it’s unlikely he’ll start again barring a Newton injury.