Quarterback was the star of the XFL
Roughnecks fan favorite P.J. Walker to join Carolina Panthers
Mar 23, 2020, 11:51 am
Quarterback was the star of the XFL
The XFL season ended too soon because of the Covid-19 scare, but Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker made enough of an impression to get another shot at the NFL.
Walker, who led Houston to a 5-0 record and was the clear front-runner for MVP, will rejoin his old college coach, Matt Ruhle, with the Carolina Panthers.
Walker was the clear QB star of the XFL, throwing for 1,338 yards and 15 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. His escapability in the pocket and ability to contribute to the running game thanks to his mobility made him a terrific fit for June Jones' offense. Walker connected with WR Cam Phillips for nine of his 15 touchdowns. He completed 64.7 percent of his passes and added in 99 rushing yards on 24 carries, second on the team.
Walker quickly became a Roughnecks fan favorite and the face of the first-year league.
Walker, whose prior NFL experience was a stint on the practice squad in Indianapolis, will join a crowded quarterback room in Carolina. The Panthers added for Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, and have yet to decide what to do with Cam Newton. Kyle Allen, who started 12 games last year, returns on a one-year deal, and Will Grier was drafted in the third round last year. UPDATE: Allen was traded to the Redskins after this was initially published.
Regardless, Walker will take his skills to the NFL.
Alex Bregman could receive the final payment of his $120 million, three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2046.
His deal, announced Saturday, calls for the $5 million signing bonus to be paid on Jan. 15, 2028, according to contract details obtained by The Associated Press.
He gets salaries of $35 million this year and $40 million in each of the next two years, and $60 million will be deferred: $20 million annually. The deferrals are due by June 15 in each year from 2035-46.
Bregman can opt out after the 2025 and 2026 seasons to become a free agent again.
Boston owes $2 million in deferred money in 2035, $4 million in 2036, $6 million annually from 2037-44, $4 million in 2045 and $2 million in 2046.
By deferring the money, the Red Sox lower the contract's average annual value for Major League Baseball's luxury tax.
Now 30, Bregman is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion during nine years with the Houston Astros. He hit .260 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs in the final season of a $100 million, five-year contract, also winning his first Gold Glove.
Bregman's position with Boston is unclear, though second base appears possible. Rafael Devers has been at third for the Red Sox since 2017.