Panthers Reportedly Sign UFL MVP Bryce Perkins to Contract amid Andy Dalton Injury

The Carolina Panthers plan to sign free-agent quarterback Bryce Perkins "this week," according to Darin Gantt of the team's official website.

Perkins appeared in five games with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 and recently won UFL MVP for the league's 2025 season.

He'll provide some depth for Carolina after veteran quarterback Andy Dalton left the team's 20-3 preseason loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday with a right elbow injury.

Prior to the reported addition of Perkins, Jack Plummer was the only healthy reserve quarterback behind Bryce Young on Carolina's depth chart with one preseason game remaining.

Perkins is coming off an impressive season with the UFL's Michigan Panthers, completing 69.0 percent of his throws for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns compared to just two interceptions in seven games. He also rushed for 269 yards and five scores on 47 attempts.

The 28-year-old was initially signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020, alternating between free agency and the team's active roster before seeing regular-season action in 2022.

Perkins finished 19-of-34 for 161 yards and one touchdown while getting picked off twice during his career in Los Angeles. He picked up 90 yards on the ground as well.

He should receive some playing time to close out the preseason for Carolina, as head coach Dave Canales confirmed that the team's starters won't suit up against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday (via Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer).

While Perkins earning a spot on Carolina's 53-man roster is far from guaranteed, he'll look to stand out against Pittsburgh and showcase himself for the Panthers as well as the rest of the NFL.