Carolina Panthers to add fourth quarterback following Andy Dalton’s elbow injury
The Carolina Panthers are adding an extra arm to their quarterback depth chart.
The team plans to sign former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins to a one-year contract, a league source told The Observer. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the agreement.
The pact with Perkins comes just one day after backup QB Andy Dalton was sidelined with a right elbow injury in the first half of the 20-3 preseason loss to the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Dalton was pulled from the game after just one series and replaced by second-year QB Jack Plummer, the third-string QB, who threw two interceptions in the loss.
Perkins, 28, is coming off a two-year stint with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League. Listed as 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Perkins won the league’s MVP award after throwing for 1,342 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in seven games (six starts). He was named UFL’s offensive player of the year this past season, as he rushed for 269 yards and five rushing touchdowns as well.
Prior to joining the UFL, Perkins spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Perkins was part of the team’s Super Bowl LVI team and appeared in five games (one start) for the franchise. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 161 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in his limited regular-season appearances. He also ran for 90 yards on 19 carries during his LA tenure.
While Perkins won’t have much time to prove himself, he should get some reps in practice on Monday and Tuesday before appearing in the team’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. If Perkins can impress, he could have a shot at sticking around on the practice squad or better.
Update: The Panthers placed tight end Tyler Mabry on injured reserve to make room for Perkins. Mabry joined the team early in training camp and played in the preseason opener. He missed Saturday’s loss with a hamstring injury.
This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 4:37 PM.
