Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford returned to the football field on Monday. That was months since he had thrown to his teammates, and even longer since he had done so in pads. The news was more than a morale boost for the team. His return keeps the flicker of hope that he will start in Week 1 burning.
But it’s only the first step on a long staircase back to starting a game. He wasn’t competing at the level he would if fully healthy, with his throws carefully limited. This remains a gradual process of resuming football activities. Still, it was a huge step just to see the 37-year-old throwing in pads again.
So why hadn’t the team taken steps to safeguard the 2025 NFL season? Why didn’t they bolster the roster for the outcome nobody wanted but everyone knew was possible? The perfect option, former Rams backup quarterback Bryce Perkins, was available. He isn’t anymore.
Panthers make sneaky Bryce Perkins move right under Rams' noses
The team signed UFL quarterback Dresser Winn to handle training camp and preseason reps. The move proved prophetic, as Stafford’s back has sidelined him from any football-related activities until August 18. But even with Winn added, this roster is still heavily invested in one of the oldest quarterback groups in the NFL. They are:
- Matthew Stafford - 37 years old
- Jimmy Garoppolo - 33 years old
- Stetson Bennett - 27 years old
- Dresser Winn - 26 years old
Perkins is 28 years old. While not exactly a spring chicken, he’s still in the prime of his football career. He’s familiar with the system and personnel, and recently built a name for himself competing in the UFL. Now, he’ll get the chance to make his mark in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers.
The 2025 UFL MVP lands an opportunity at the next level.
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 18, 2025
QB Bryce Perkins officially signs with the @Panthers!#UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/ICS7y0Yxbt
There was understandable hesitancy to sign Perkins when training camp opened. But as soon as Matthew Stafford’s outlook became uncertain, it made too much sense not to add him. After all, he wasn’t a stranger to the team. And after two weeks of training camp, the quarterback hierarchy had already been established.
It’s hard to know how much of a chance Perkins really has to make the Panthers roster after signing this late. He may have been brought in simply to help the team get through the final preseason game. But there’s also the possibility he’s getting a legitimate shot at sticking, an opportunity that should have been offered weeks earlier by the Rams.
Don’t get it twisted, Stetson Bennett is a great fit in this offense and on this team. But Bryce Perkins is very talented, too, and you never really know how his football career might turn out. The only thing certain right now is that it won’t be determined in Los Angeles. As always, thanks for reading.