Former Rams quarterback claims UFL MVP award and his play could spark NFL interest in a new opportunity this summer

Perkins, who first enrolled at Arizona State before a one-year stint at Arizona Western and then two seasons at Virginia, is a name to watch this summer if any team needs to add an additional quarterback to their roster ahead of training camps opening at the end of July. 

Perkins was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Rams in 2020. He was carried on the practice squad for his rookie season, although Perkins was elevated at the end of the year for the season finale and two playoff contests. After signing a futures contract with the Rams in 2021, he made his NFL debut that season and threw his one and only career NFL touchdown pass while filling in for Matthew Stafford. 

His time with both the Rams and the NFL came at the end of the 2021 season, although his experiences around the game have been more kind to him since — Perkins signed with the Michigan Panthers last spring and then re-signed with the team before rolling up big numbers while helping Michigan reach the UFL Championship. The game will be played tomorrow night in St. Louis. 

Perkins finished second in the league in touchdown passes, the second-highest rushing yards of any quarterback in the league, and the second-highest completion percentage despite missing three games due to an ankle injury. He was named the UFL's Offensive Player of the Year earlier this week. 

There's unfinished business for Perkins and the Panthers this weekend but the spring leagues have proven to be a productive opportunity for NFL franchises to target developmental talent. Perhaps Perkins can be next. The Rams don't seem like a likely fit for any interest in Perkins with Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett already under contract, although four quarterbacks entering into training camp is not an usual amount to carry. 

In all likelihood, a new opportunity for Perkins on an offseason roster would come elsewhere. For the Rams, they can simply enjoy seeing a familiar face thrive and root him on this weekend with a chance to win the championship tomorrow night.