Former Houston Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker was impressive in the abbreviated revival of the XFL, and it earned him a shot with the Carolina Panthers.
According to Dianna Russini of ESPN, the former Temple Owl will be rejoining his former coach, Matt Rhule, with the Carolina Panthers.
Did the Houston Texans miss an opportunity to add a quality backup to the roster?
A.J. McCarron more than likely wasn’t getting out of NRG Park. Though he started in the season finale with the AFC South wrapped up, and appeared in garbage time throughout the season, McCarron assisted offensive coordinator Tim Kelly and quarterbacks coach Carl Smith behind the scenes. McCarron meant more to the Texans’ passing game than could be quantified by his 21-of-37 for 225 yards and an interception.
However, Walker was one of the best quarterbacks in the XFL this spring. The Roughnecks went a perfect 5-0 and Walker completed 119-of-184 for 1,338 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. The 5-11, 214-pounder also showed proficiency with his legs by rushing for 99 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
The Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals took notice.
So did Texans coach Bill O’Brien.
“I think the XFL has been interesting to watch,” O’Brien told reporters on Feb. 25 at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. “Some of the different rules, the kickoff rule, the one-two-three-point point-after rule. I watched the Houston team. They’re fun to watch. They have a good quarterback. [Roughnecks coach] June (Jones) is doing a good job with that team. I think it’s a fun league to watch.”
O’Brien also added that any time football is being played, no matter the level, scouts are watching.
The Texans’ quarterback group since Watson’s arrival has been comprised of either two or three total signal callers on the roster. In 2017, Tom Savage backed up Watson. When the rookie tore his ACL on Nov. 2, 2017, the club brought on T.J. Yates to be Savage’s backup.
When the Texans have had three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, the third quarterback has fulfilled a special teams role, such as Joe Webb in 2018.
In 2019, the Texans would bring Alex McGough up and down the active roster and even release him from the practice squad.
Currently, the Texans, and every NFL team, can sign up to 90 players for their offseason rosters. Houston could have added Walker and taken a look at him in organized team activities and minicamps. Instead, Rhule and the Panthers get the first look.
