On paper, it appears the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have one of the deepest quarterback rooms in the CFL. However, they move a sign that Bryce Perkins should signal that they are not as comfortable in the position as some may think.
Led by Zach Collaros, who will turn 38 during the 2026 season, with Chris Streveler the short-yardage option and QB2 hurt and openly acknowledging the 2025 season could have been his last after suffering a severe injury late this season. He is also an impending free agent, although there is a little doubt if he can return to Football, it will likely be with Winnipeg.
Even with that fact, the Blue Bombers still have Terry Wilson, Chase Artopoeus, and now 2025 UFL MVP Bryce Perkins. This depth doesn’t end there either. Winnipeg selected quarterback Taylor Elgersma in last year’s draft, and has ten more quarterbacks on their Neg List. It is clear Winnipeg is preparing for life after Collaros and using every possible avenue to accomplish that goal.
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Bryce Perkins Seeing Value in CFL
Bryce Perkins is a unique player in many ways. This is a former NFL draft pick who spent years in Sean McVay’s system with the Rams before being let go and essentially fading out of the NFL, and nearly football in general. He was lured back to the field by the United Football League’s Michigan Panthers, a team that had employed several quarterbacks with NFL experience over their existence.
Names like Paxton Lynch and EJ Perry come to mind. While Bryce Perkins did not immediately come in and take over as the starter for Michigan, it was several games before they finally gave him a start. Even after some stellar performances, it seemed like the team wasn’t ever quite sold on him being the starter in 2024.
That all changed in 2025 after a full season with the team, he was handed the reigns and went on to win a league MVP award. Over this two-season stretch, Bryce Perkins played in 13 total games, completing 70.3% of his passes for 2,261 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He also ran 79 times for 524 yards and 8 touchdowns.
After the 2025 season, Bryce Perkins saw his first NFL interest in a long while, signing a contract with the Carolina Panthers. Playing in one preseason game for the Panthers last season, he completed 10 of 11 passes for 71 yards, throwing just one turnover-worthy pass. At 29 years old, Perkins is at the point where his NFL window is all but closed, and the CFL’s higher earning potential and stability likely look more attractive to him than a return to the UFL, where even as MVP, his earning potential is capped.
How Does Bryce Perkins Fit?
Taking a closer look at his rushing ability, Bryce Perkins produced 469 yards after contact and 43 missed tackles in his two seasons with the UFL. This is particularly significant given Streveler’s injury. At 6’3 213 pounds, Bryce Perkins immediately becomes the tallest and second heaviest quarterback currently under contract.
He is also the most explosive athlete and most accomplished runner when it comes to getting in the endzone. With 20 rushing touchdowns in college, 8 touchdowns in the UFL, and 2 in NFL preseason games. With 30 rushing touchdowns on his resume, it should come as no surprise if he is the day one option as a short-yardage quarterback in 2026.
Using him in this role, even as a backup who is still learning the nuances of the CFL game, he can make an immediate impact. Bryce Perkins has all the physical tools and relative youth to be the heir apparent to Zach Collaros. However, it will be his ability to adapt to the ruleset and prove the differences aren’t too much for him in preseason that will go a long way toward cementing his potential as the successor. He may have some more competition for both the short-yardage role and the successor to Collaros if Winnipeg can sign Elgersma as well.
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- Blue Bombers Sign 2025 UFL MVP Bryce Perkins: Potential Successor for Collaros?
- What’s Next with REDBLACKS Hiring Ryan Dinwiddie for 2026?
- Stewart Johnston Putting his Stamp on the CFL in 2026 and Beyond
- Should CFL Teams Lean Into the 2025 UFL Talent Well for Quarterback Depth?
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