It's only training camp, but Rams latest rumored move has fans in an uproar

As soon as the Los Angeles Rams reported the release of WR Quintez Cephus, we suspected that the time had come for the addition of a fourth quarterback. The pattern for four quarterbacks in the Rams training camp does not require a conversation with HC Sean McVay to expect its occurrence. The team has a tradition of fielding four quarterbacks through training camp. And with the team rostering veteran starting quarterback Matthew Stafford nd backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the need for a fourth throwing arm is as great as ever.

You see, the Rams have no plans to allow either Stafford or Garoppolo to see any action in preseason games. So the burden of handling all the preparation for three preseason games would fall entirely on backup quarterback Stetson Bennett. That is a recipe for disaster.

And if the latest NFL rumors pan out, the team will fill the need for a fourth quarterback, and he will be a former player. But don't expect fans who have had their hearts set on reuniting with UFL MVP QB Bryce Perkins to celebrate the news. You see, Perkins is not returning to the Rams. Instead, the team is reportedly welcoming back former reserve quarterback Dresser Winn,

So the question that everyone is asking right now is, why Winn over Perkins?

Why Rams likely choosing Winn over Perkins?

While fans see the potential of every roster spot to yield a surprising NFL star, the truth is that GM Les Snead has to fill specific roles for the team. And those roles may not be as open to a future starter as you may think. What do I mean?

(3) - The offensive playbook is all but printed for the 2025 NFL season

The first reason for the team to opt for QB Dresser Winn over Bryce Perkins to add for training camp is the fact that the team needs a plug-and-play quarterback to add to the roster. While we all know that Perkins last played for the Rams in 2022, Winn was present throughout the team's 2024 training camp. So familiarity with this offense tilts significantly in Winn's favor.

Since the Rams' fourth quarterback has already missed OTAs and minicamp, the team views familiarity as a vital component to the next quarterback. And Winn (like many players returning from last year's practice squad) can jump right into the routine with little need for cramming the playbook.

The team has already written the 2025 offensive playbook to optimize the talents and roles of expected starters. A diversion of picking up a very talented multi-role quarterback at this point is unlikely to have enough time to reset the offense for Bryce Perkins' unique talents.

(2) - The Rams are content with a training camp arm for now

Fans love to add talented players, and rightfully so. But when it comes to building a roster, talent is not the only factor. Fit, familiarity, financial demands, and flexibility are also part of the equation. After all, without a complex algorithm that identifies the right players for each NFL team, all teams would simply pursue the same players. That doesn't happen often.

For the Rams roster, a quarterback who knows the drill, can compete in preseason games, and who is content with a limited role is what the Rams are expecting. And while anyone can surprise by exceeding expectations when the pads go on, Dresser Winn fits the team's needs for training camp.

(1) - No money, no mission

Perhaps the deciding factor as to who the Rams will sign comes down to the most basic component of all: Money. You see, the UFL MVP quarterback has proven his talent and has earned the right to expect more than an NFL minimum salary to show up and compete for a team. And perhaps even more than that, he has earned the right to compete for a spot on the 53-man Rams roster. And that may have been more than the Rams are currently willing to offer.

Bryce Perkins played in nine games, threw for 1,342 yards, two interceptions, and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 269 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

However, Dresser Winn also played in the UFL. He played in four gams, threw for 842 yards, four interceptions, and three touchdowns, while rushing for 52 yards and one touchdown.

Realistically speaking, neither Winn nor Perkins would have much of a shot at leapfrogging Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett to move up the depth chart. So the Rams allowed the financial factor to point the way. And Winn is almost certainly the less expensive of the two players.

Should the Rams have opted for Bryce Perkins rather than Dresser Winn? Many fans think so. But the Rams have a plan, and I'm willing to give this team the benefit of the doubt. Meanwhile, thanks so much for reading.

Here are other recent Rams articles that you may enjoy