Panthers Sign Reigning UFL MVP
The Carolina Panthers are signing reigning UFL MVP Bryce Perkins. Yesterday, during a preseason game against the Houston Texans, Andy Dalton took a big hit, forcing him to leave the game early. Dalton told head coach Dave Canels that he was fine. Dalton did not talk to reporters after the game. Dalton underwent further testing today to determine the severity of the injury. There has not been any word yet regarding Dalton's status, but the Panthers are still signing Bryce Perkins for the last preseason game. With Dalton’s status still up in the air and Jack Plummer’s subpar performance, the Panthers are hurting at quarterback depth.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Andy Dalton with the 35th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. Since coming into the league, Dalton has made three Pro Bowls and is heading into his 14th season in the league. The Panthers signed Dalton in 2023, where he has served as a reliable backup and mentor to Bryce Young. Dalton took over the starting position during the 2024 season, proving that the Panthers value him. Dalton is 37, so any injury could warrant some merit.
Jake Plummer signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2024. The Panthers waived Plumed before re-signing him to the practice squad. After Dalton went down, Plummer took over for the rest of the game. Plummer put up a lackluster performance, to say the least. Pluimmer completed 10 of his 14 completed passes but only threw for 83 yards. Plummer scored no touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Plummer’s play exposed a hole that the Panthers have. After Dalton, they have no quarterback depth.
Bryce Perkins broke out at UVA, setting the single-season passing record with 3,358 yards in 2019. Despite his college accomplishments, Perkins went undrafted in 2020. Perkins then spent time with the LA Rams and Green Bay Packers before signing with the Michigan Panthers in 2024 and throwing for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns against two interceptions. Perkins' efforts earned him the 2025 UFL MVP. Perkins is an interesting addition to the Panthers' quarterback room. At 28, Perkins still has room to grow, and with Canels, we could see Perkins become a serviceable backup.
At the moment, it is safe to assume that Dalton will continue as the team's backup. Dalton seemed fine coming out of the game, but another addition never hurts. Perkins’ performance during the last preseason game will determine if he is ready for another NFL stint. I love a good comeback story and will be watching to see if Perkins can earn his way back into the NFL.
