Chicago Bears Release Backup Quarterback PJ Walker
The Chicago Bears made a surprising move on Sunday, announcing the release of backup quarterback PJ Walker. Walker, who signed a two-year contract worth $4.15 million in March, was brought in to compete for the backup quarterback job behind Justin Fields.
Walker, 28, spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Panthers before joining the Bears. Despite his experience, Walker struggled to secure the No. 2 job throughout the preseason. He did not see any action until the fourth quarter of the Bears’ third exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills, where he completed 6-of-11 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.
The Bears have now turned to undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent and veteran Nathan Peterman to fill the backup quarterback role. Bagent, who impressed during training camp, has been the team’s strongest backup QB and will likely be given the opportunity to prove himself in regular-season games.
Head coach Matt Eberflus expressed confidence in Bagent’s abilities, praising his performance during the preseason. Eberflus noted Bagent’s command of the offense, accuracy, and decision-making as positive attributes. The Bears believe that Bagent has the potential to be a reliable backup for Fields.
In a postgame interview, Walker acknowledged his struggles during the preseason and accepted that he was no longer the favorite in the backup quarterback competition. He understood that performance is crucial in the NFL and acknowledged that if he didn’t perform at a high level, he wouldn’t have the opportunity to play.
In addition to releasing Walker, the Bears also waived offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood on Sunday. Leatherwood, a 2021 first-round draft pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, was claimed off waivers by the Bears last year. He had been playing at left guard with the second-team offensive line during training camp.
The decision to release Leatherwood came after the Bears opted to move Cody Whitehair to left guard instead of promoting Leatherwood to the starting lineup. This decision was made due to Teven Jenkins’ absence because of a leg injury. Jenkins is expected to miss several weeks, and the Bears have classified his status as “week-to-week.”
The Bears will still owe Leatherwood $4.59 million in guarantees remaining on his contract, adding to the financial implications of the decision.
Overall, the Bears’ moves at the backup quarterback position and offensive line reflect their commitment to finding the best players to support their young quarterback, Justin Fields. While Walker and Leatherwood didn’t meet expectations, the team believes that Bagent and the reshuffled offensive line will provide the necessary support for a successful season.
As the regular season approaches, the Bears will continue to evaluate their roster and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they have the strongest team possible. The competition for backup quarterback and the reshuffling of the offensive line will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as the Bears aim to make a statement in the upcoming season.