After weeks of debating whether the Bucks should fill the quarterback room with rookies or young quarterbacks, or with long-tenured veterans, the Bucks split the difference.The team announced Tuesday that it has signed John Walford as its third quarterback. was in the NFL in four years.
Walford’s biography
Walford played college football and Wake Forest before signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
In his next move, Walford joined the Alliance of American Football (AAF) League in 2019 and was drafted in the second round by the Arizona Hotshots. He was named a starter after preseason competition, was named Offensive Player of the Week after his regular season performance in Week 1, and won the award again in Week 7. Overall, he started 7 of 8 games and posted a 5-2 record.
Back to NFL
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – Photo Credit: USA Today
Walford returned to the NFL in 2019 and gained a lot of experience. He signed to his Los Angeles Rams practice team that season and began his career in 2020. Wolford made his first career start in Week 17 of that year against the Cardinals in a game the Rams needed to win to make the playoffs.
He became the first quarterback in league history to throw for 250 or more yards and rush for 50 yards in his debut as Los Angeles beat Arizona 18–7. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 231 yards and 1 interception for 56 yards. Walford started the playoff game against the Seahawks again the following week, but injured his neck early in the game, ending it in the first quarter.
Walford saw little playing time in three games during the 2021 season, but made three appearances last year in 2022. In these contests, he posted his record of 1 win and 2 losses. 2 interceptions and 32 rushing yards. His career record is 2 wins and 2 losses.
Bucs fills in QB room
Bucs OC Dave Canales – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
Walford, who studied under the tutelage of Sean McVay, should have a good knowledge of the Bucks offense, as Dave Canales’ system should be similar. He was Baker Mayfield’s teammate last season when he joined the Rams.
The Bucks now have a third quarterback in the room, but still need two competition between Kyle Trask and Mayfield to be the starter. That said, it’s good for Tampa Bay to have someone with starting experience like Walford, especially in a situation where injuries and other circumstances make it late in the season.
Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Photo Credit: USA Today
There was some thought of drafting a rookie quarterback this year, but with a new offense, everyone learning the system, the Backs were picked to fill other positions needed. We didn’t bring in longtime veterans like Flacco and Matt Ryan because the Canales offense needs a lot of mobility from quarterbacks this season.
Many undrafted free agents were signed by the Bucks after the NFL draft. They didn’t sign a quarterback, but invited Southeastern’s Kaylan Wiggins and Incarnate Ward’s Lindsey Scott to the rookie minicamp.
The Pewter Report was reporting that the Bucks love Ryan Griffin but will be heading in a new direction at quarterback this season. It wouldn’t be surprising if he left another player on the practice team.
