Philadelphia Eagles should consider signing P.J. Walker as backup
By Hunter Doyle
![HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 7: P.J. Walker #11 of the Houston Roughnecks reacts to a play during the XFL game against the Seattle Dragons at TDECU Stadium on March 7, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas Campbell/XFL via Getty Images) HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 7: P.J. Walker #11 of the Houston Roughnecks reacts to a play during the XFL game against the Seattle Dragons at TDECU Stadium on March 7, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas Campbell/XFL via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/6ea1ca06ceefb75bf4b3f9ed2b2b4472314735ae761207f076387c3e98f82aad.jpg)
Final thoughts
2020 could be the year in which the Eagles upgrade in the form of a young leader at backup quarterback such as Walker, who has already spent a few years on the bench learning under experienced pros similar to Sudfeld.
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Walker also learned under Frank Reich for the past two years with the Colts, making it seem like he’s ready for another shot in the NFL.
Since Reich was Doug Pederson‘s offensive coordinator just a few years ago, the transition into the Eagles’ offense might not be as difficult for Walker if the opportunity were to present itself.
Walker could also be used a scout team quarterback to imitate passers like Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray because of his ability to scramble, which would help put Philadelphia in better shape to compete in the NFC.
Wentz has arguably learned from two of the best backups in the league in each of the past two seasons. But if the Eagles were ready to move forward without a veteran backup in the 2019 offseason like they originally did with Sudfeld, they should be comfortable doing so again this year as well after Wentz proved most of his critics wrong.
With the Eagles front office trying to build a younger team, it isn’t a bad idea to have 25-year-old Walker compete with 26-year-old Sudfeld for the backup role with the Eagles.
Not only would Walker give Sudfeld some real competition, but he also might have a shot at winning the job, and become a reliable backup for Philadelphia.
This is a solid opportunity for the Eagles to bring in a guy like Walker with potential, and benefit from being able to sign him at a cheaper price.
But if Philadelphia doesn’t act fast, another team may express interest in Walker, and leave the Eagles wondering what could have been.