It came as a surprise last offseason when the Los Angeles Rams decided to roster three quarterbacks for the 2021 season.
Matthew Stafford was the clear starter when the Rams made a blockbuster deal to free him from the Detroit Pistons, while John Wolford has served admirably as the team’s backup. However, the play of Bryce Perkins on the practice squad and preseason was enough to convince Los Angeles to keep him away from other teams looking to vulture him.
While Perkins didn’t appear during the regular season and playoffs in 2021, he has continued to show well in his limited opportunities. Against the Los Angeles Chargers, the third-string quarterback led the Rams to a 29-22 victory which led to praise from head coach Sean McVay via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk:
“I was really pleased with Bryce Perkins, his ability to be able to make plays off schedule, be able to get in and out of the huddle,” McVay said. “How the heck did he get out of a couple of those? He’s a playmaker. Being able to allow guys to play within their skillset when things do break down, that’s an elite trait that he has – an ability to be able to break tackles.”
Unlike Stafford and Wolford, Perkins is much more of a dual-threat quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. The best example came on a broken play where it looked like Perkins was going to take a sack twice before wiggling out and getting the first down instead. Perkins also managed to find fellow unheralded prospect Lance McCutcheon down the left sideline for a 60-yard touchdown that drew massive cheers from the crowd.
Perkins should continue to see reps during the preseason slate as the Rams rest their regulars, but he has certainly turned heads in the building and should be on the roster again.
