Bears Agree to Deal With Former Panthers QB PJ Walker, per Report

Chicago has a new quarterback in town.

The Bears have reportedly agreed to terms with former Panthers quarterback PJ Walker in NFL free agency, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The 28-year-old is set to serve as the backup to Justin Fields in Chicago, having spent the previous three seasons competing for the starting job in Carolina. 

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Houston, the deal is for two years and is worth $5 million, including a signing bonus of $1 million. 

Across three seasons in the NFL, Walker has featured in 15 games, drawing seven starts, including five last year amid the injury to Sam Darnold, who signed with the 49ers this offseason.

Former Panthers’ QB PJ Walker reached agreement tonight with the Chicago Bears, per source. He now becomes the likely backup to Justin Fields.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2023

In 2022, Walker completed 59.4% of his pass attempts for 731 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He’s never completed more than 60% of his pass attempts in a season.

He was the quarterback for the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL in 2020, leading the team to a 5–0 record before the season shut down due to COVID-19.

Walker will be reunited with former Panthers teammate DJ Moore, who was traded to Chicago in part of the deal for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft.