As the team finalized its 53-man roster before the August 27 deadline, they opted to release Walker, who was signed shortly before minicamp in June. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that Walker has been informed of his release.
Walker was initially brought in as a potential third-string quarterback. With Geno Smith established as the starter and the Seahawks having traded two draft picks to acquire Sam Howell from the Washington Commanders as Smith’s backup, Walker’s role was primarily to compete for the third quarterback spot.
The Seahawks had previously maintained only two quarterbacks on their roster last season: Smith and Drew Lock. Walker’s lackluster performance during the preseason—completing 15 of 28 passes for 147 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, although the latter was nullified by a roughing the passer penalty—did not help his cause.
According to SB Nation’s Field Gulls’ Mookie Alexander, it is “far from a guarantee” that Walker will be added to the practice squad. Alexander points out that any hopes Walker had of competing for the backup role were quickly dashed and suggests that the likelihood of him being retained as an emergency option is uncertain.
The 5-foot-11 quarterback entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. After spending his first three seasons mainly on the Colts’ practice squad, Walker gained prominence in the XFL in 2020, leading the league with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions before the season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His XFL success earned him an opportunity with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, where he played in four games and started one. Over his three seasons with the Panthers, Walker made notable contributions, including starting five games in 2022. He had a mixed record with three touchdowns and three interceptions in that season.
Walker’s NFL career has also included brief stints with the Chicago Bears and, later, the Cleveland Browns, where he filled in due to Deshaun Watson’s injury. In his six games with the Browns, including two starts, Walker posted one touchdown and five interceptions.
Should the Seahawks not re-sign Walker, his experience may attract interest from other teams. Walker’s career totals include six touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 2,135 passing yards, and a 60.0 passer rating, with a starting record of 5-4.