The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are making a splash in the off-season with a surprising signing! They've secured the services of Bryce Perkins, a quarterback with an impressive resume. But here's where it gets intriguing: Perkins, despite his accolades, went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. Is this a tale of talent overlooked, or a strategic move by the Bombers?
Perkins, standing at 6'2" and weighing 215 pounds, dominated the United Football League (UFL) this year. He earned the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year titles, showcasing his passing accuracy with a 69.0% completion rate, throwing for 1,342 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions in just seven games. And his dual-threat abilities were on full display as he rushed for 269 yards and five touchdowns.
His performance caught the attention of the Carolina Panthers, but his time there was brief. After a successful UFL stint, he signed with the Panthers but was released before the season began. However, Perkins' resilience led him to the Los Angeles Rams, where he became a Super Bowl champion as a practice squad member.
During his time with the Rams, Perkins saw limited action, starting in one game and appearing in five. He completed 55.9% of his passes for 161 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, while also demonstrating his mobility with 90 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Perkins' college career was a journey, playing for Arizona State University, Arizona Western College, and the University of Virginia. With the Cavaliers, he threw for 6,218 yards, 47 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, while also rushing for over 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns. A true dual-threat quarterback, but why did he go undrafted?
The Blue Bombers, coming off a 10-8 season and a playoff appearance in 2025, are looking to bolster their offense. Their starting quarterback, Zach Collaros, had a decent season but struggled with interceptions. The team ranked fifth in net offense and third in defense, but their turnover differential was a concerning -11. Is Perkins the missing piece to elevate the Bombers' offense?
With the addition of Perkins, the Bombers aim to improve their passing game and add depth to their quarterback room. Brady Oliveira led the team in rushing, Nic Demski topped the receiving charts, and Tony Jones was the leading tackler. The Bombers also enjoyed strong fan support, ranking first in attendance with an average crowd increase of 3.7% from the previous year.
Will Perkins be the catalyst for a deep playoff run for Winnipeg? Or is this a risky move that might divide opinions? The signing certainly adds an exciting element to the team's future.
