Indianapolis Colts: Should the Team Give XFL’s Pj Walker Another Shot?

When it comes to the XFL, there are a ton of guys who are making a name for themselves just yet. Much like the league, teams are still trying to figure out their footing and players are just getting used to the differences between XFL, college, and the NFL. While the changes between the leagues might be minimum, it will be a good year or two before we see too many stand out players. So far, however, it appears Pj Walker might be the exception to that rule.

Through five weeks, Walker leads the XFL in passing yards(1338 yards), leads in touchdowns (15 TDS), and has just 4 interceptions. Averaging just under an interception per game sounds like a struggle but his TD:INT is 4:1 and three touchdowns per game seem to negate the pressure of throwing those interceptions. Averaging 267.6 ypg to some seems pedestrian in the NFL where quarterbacks can throw 5,000 yards in a single season averaging 300+ yards, but the next closest quarterback LA’s Josh Johnson. Johnson has 1076 yards and he’s averaging just 215 per game. With that being saints those two are the lone quarterbacks with more than 10 touchdowns and Johnson edges out Walker with 11:2 TD:INT.

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With their success, NFL teams have to have enough video to potentially bring over the XFL’s brighter stars. Unfortunately for Johnson, at 33 his chances might be all be done. Walker on the other hand is just 25 years old and after this breakout, should at least get invited to camp. His NFL experience is limited, but spent some time with the Indianapolis Colts bouncing around on their practice squad over since being an UDFA in 2017.

With Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement, Jacoby Brissett was thrust into the starting role. Despite low expectations, his performance wasn’t what the team had hoped for finishing 7-9. While he’s the clear cut choice for now, the team could bring in a veteran to extend his development. However, bringing a player like Walker back into the fold wouldn’t cost much but could give them yet another option should Brissett not end up being their guy.

The XFL might end up being a perfect bridge-the-gap league for the NFL. Playing after the NFL regular season ends, coaches can get a good live look at these players in game. Between that and the time between the XFL championship and NFL training camps, coaches and scouts will have plenty of time between to review tapes. Can Pj Walker be the first quarterback from the XFL to prove he deserves another shot in the NFL?