Bears Consider Former $128-Million MVP Candidate as Walker Continues to Struggle
The Chicago Bears currently have three quarterbacks listed behind Justin Fields on their preseason roster, but none of them seem to be of true backup quality.
The team brought in former Carolina Panthers backup P.J. Walker this offseason, signing him to a two-year, $4.15 million contract with just over $2 million in fully-guaranteed money. However, Walker's preseason performances have been less than impressive, most notably a 4-of-8 effort for 19 yards and an interception against the Tennessee Titans on August 12. His struggles continued in the Bears' second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts, where he went 1-of-4 for six yards, with a QB rating of 39.6, and was sacked twice for a loss of 9 yards.
Joining Walker in the Bears' quarterback room are Nathan Peterman and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent, both of whom have outperformed Walker in the preseason games against the Titans and the Colts.
With just three weeks left before the start of the regular season, the Bears may be in need of a backup quarterback who can keep the team competitive if something happens to Fields. One potential option is free agent Carson Wentz, the only noteworthy quarterback still available.
Carson Wentz Offers an Upgrade Over All Backup QBs in Chicago
The Bears may be hesitant to invest in an expensive backup for Fields, especially after the contract they gave Walker, but there is an argument to be made for signing Wentz.
Walker has played in only 15 professional games, with seven starts in his three-year NFL career. In those games, he has thrown just five touchdowns against 11 interceptions, completing only 57.5% of his 228 pass attempts, according to Pro Football Reference.
Peterman has a 1-4 record as a starter in 13 regular-season appearances, with a 53.1% completion rate, four touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Bagent has never thrown a regular-season pass in the NFL and was passed over by all 32 teams in the draft.
Wentz, on the other hand, finished third in MVP voting six years ago and has started for three NFL franchises, with a career record of 46-45-1. He is clearly a more proven quarterback than anyone else in the Bears' QB room, aside from Fields. Wentz is still looking for a suitable opportunity, as he remains a free agent, and signing him could provide the Bears with a more reliable backup option.
| POLL | ||
20 AOUT | 387 ANSWERS Bears Consider Former $128-Million MVP Candidate as Walker Continues to Struggle Is P.J Walker a solid backup? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 7.2 % |
| No | 359 | 92.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
