2020 NFL free agency: Odds are strong that XFL's Walker will sign as NFL teams show interest

Since the 2020 NFL free agency negotiating and signing period opened this week, much of the discussion has centered on the quarterbacks, and for good reason.

Coveted signal-callers Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and Teddy Bridgewater have found new teams, and Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco are among those looking for one.

But one player flying under the radar is XFL star P.J. Walker, who is drawing interest from several teams.  

The Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have all contacted the XFL's Houston Roughnecks to inquire about the 25-year-old, according to Mark Berman of Houston's FOX 26.

SportsLine oddsmakers set the line at -450 that he would sign with an NFL team after the XFL season was canceled, with odds at +370 that teams would pass on the 5-foot-11 dynamo.

The startup league has said its players will be released from contracts if an NFL team is interested, but the NFL is still devising a policy on negotiating with XFL prospects.

The former Temple University standout was the front-runner for the XFL's MVP honors through five weeks, listed at -150 at some sportsbooks, as he led the Houston Roughnecks to a 5-0 mark.

No other team had fewer than two losses before the first-year league canceled the remainder of what was supposed to be a 10-game slate.

The Roughnecks were the solid favorite at +110 in William Hill's XFL futures odds after Week 5 (all futures bets will be returned by the sportsbooks), and Walker was a huge reason for the team's success.

Houston led the league in scoring at 31.6 points per game, and Walker threw for a league-high 1,338 yards and 15 touchdowns, with four interceptions.

The New Jersey native set numerous school records at Temple and led the team to its first conference title in 49 years.

But lacking NFL size, he went undrafted and signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. He had several short stints on the practice squad before being released just before joining the Roughnecks.

The Cardinals don't have a proven backup to Kyler Murray, the Broncos have Drew Lock but just released Joe Flacco as its insurance policy, and Russell Wilson is the only Seahawks quarterback under contract.

Walker played for current Carolina coach Matt Ruhle with the Owls, but the Panthers signed Bridgewater and have Kyle Allen and Will Grier on the roster, while Cam Newton is seeking a trade. 

The coronavirus crisis has disrupted free agency signings and could be delaying a decision on the signing of XFL players, so be sure to check back here for updates and all your NFL free agency news.