As the Seattle Seahawks finalize their 53-man roster ahead of the 2024 season, veteran quarterback P.J. Walker is the latest player to be released. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the 29-year-old quarterback was informed of the decision on Tuesday, August 27, after a brief stint with the team following his signing in June.
Why the Seahawks Released Walker
Walker joined the Seahawks with hopes of securing the third quarterback spot behind entrenched starter Geno Smith and newly acquired backup Sam Howell. The Seahawks traded for Howell this offseason, giving up two draft picks to secure the former Washington Commanders starter. Despite Walker’s prior NFL experience, he struggled to make a lasting impression during the preseason.
Walker’s preseason performance saw him go 15-for-28 for 147 passing yards with no touchdowns or turnovers. While he avoided costly mistakes, a potentially damaging interception in the preseason finale was negated due to a roughing the passer penalty, further underscoring his uneven play.
The Seahawks, who only carried two quarterbacks on their roster last season (Smith and Drew Lock), opted to release Walker instead of keeping him as a third option. As SB Nation’s Mookie Alexander observed, Walker’s chance of landing on the practice squad is “far from a guarantee.”
“If there was any slight inkling that Walker, who has prior NFL starting experience with the Browns and Carolina Panthers, would compete for the QB2 job with Sam Howell, that competition got doused very quickly,” writes Alexander.
A Journeyman’s Career
Walker’s journey through the NFL has been one of perseverance and adaptation. Entering the league in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts, Walker spent his first three years on the practice squad. He gained national attention during the XFL’s brief 2020 season, where his standout performance earned him a shot with the Carolina Panthers. In the XFL, Walker led the league with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions, finishing as the top passer before the season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His return to the NFL saw mixed results. Over three seasons with the Panthers, Walker played in multiple games, starting five in 2022 and recording a 2-3 record with three touchdowns and three interceptions. After brief offseason stints with the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns, Walker found himself in Seattle, hoping to reignite his NFL career.
Now, with Seattle moving forward without him, Walker’s future remains uncertain. He’s compiled six career touchdowns and 16 interceptions across 2,135 passing yards and holds a 5-4 record as a starter. Despite his setbacks, Walker’s experience as a fill-in starter could make him an intriguing option for a team in need of quarterback depth.
For now, Walker will be waiting for his next opportunity, whether it be in the NFL or elsewhere.
