The Los Angeles Rams are not set at quarterback. At least, that seems to be the consensus among Rams fans in chat rooms, post article comments, and even on social media. Now, don't misread that as asserting that fans are outright concerned or alarmed at the status of the Rams' quarterback room. There is no shortage of confidence in starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. And if Stafford falls to injury, the team can send out former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to pilot the offense.
Even young quarterback Stetson Bennett has more upside than many fans are willing to agree to.
But if the Rams are truly overly concerned about the successor to Matthew Stafford, perhaps the team should look no further than a former quarterback who competed for the Rams from 2020 through 2022. I'm talking about former Rams undrafted quarterback Bryce Perkins, who is currently turning heads and dropping jaws as quarterback of the UFL Michigan Panthers.
He is doing so well, in fact, that he could be a rising stock dark horse to become the next Rams quarterback successor to Matthew Stafford.
(3) - Built to be an NFL quarterback
One of the most basic, but perhaps most easily overlooked attributes for any potential successor to Rams starting veteran Matthew Stafford is to target quarterbacks whose size and physicality project durability. Since hiring HC Sean McVay, the Rams offense has benefited from durability at the quarterback position. Jared Goff was incredibly durable as an NFL quarterback. Matthew Stafford is too - with one exception of the Rams shutting him down in 2022 due to a bruised spinal cord.
Some believe that had the Rams remained in a playoff race, Stafford may have been able to play through his injuries.
Bryce Perkins is a solid quarterback, too. He stands 6-foot-3, weighs 214 pounds, and can grind out a 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds. That is faster than all but one Rams running back. His swift running explains how he has put up 414 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in 10 UFL games so far.
(2) - He is the dual threat QB Coach McVay has dreamt about
Speaking about a quarterback who can run, that has always been a dream combination for the Rams offense and HC Sean McVay. While McVay loves to stress defenses through the air, even he concedes that a quarterback who can pull the ball down and take off if the play breaks down makes his job that much easier.
Perkins appeared in five games for the Rams in 2022. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. But he was not limited to passing. He also rushed 19 times for 90 yards, a 4.7 yards per run average. Despite appearing in five games, Perkins only had a meaningful number of offensive snaps in two games. He appeared in relief to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 11 of the 2022 NFL season. He started the following week to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Rams would claim and play veteran QB Baker Mayfield in Week 13 to face the Las Vegas Raiders.
(1) - He knows the Rams, and the Rams know him
Despite a light workload in his first chapter on the Rams roster, Perkins became very familiar with the Rams players, coaches, and system. That gives him a leg up on virtually anyone else. And thanks to the fact that he plays in the UFL, he remains in football shape. The UFL football season began on March 28 and will end on June 1, 2025. The UFL Playoffs are scheduled to run from June 8 through 14.
That mans that the Rams could sign Perkins in the middle of June 2025, add a robust and talented quarterback, and find four quarterbacks on the roster in time to finish out training camp and even carry over into the preseason. If nothing else, the Rams will ensure that they have a talented quarterback under center to give young receivers every chance to make plays, impress coaches, and perhaps earn a spot on the Rams roster.
And for Bryce Perkins, the extra work means visibility to NFL teams, a longer season, and additional paychecks before his football season ends.
Perkins has proven to be an offensive spark for the Michigan Panthers. And his statistics are improving across the board. While the UFL is not the same level as the NFL, it's enough to give pause and ponder what Bryce Perkins might do if he returns to the Rams roster. If nothing else, he could be solid competition for Stetson Bennett.
He could also be a great deal more.
As always, thanks for reading.
