Steelers Will Have An Intriguing Quarterback To Evaluate During Rookie Minicamp In Bryce Perkins

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently released their official roster for rookie minicamp which will take place this weekend. While there are players at a number of premier positions who will be worth keeping an eye on, there is perhaps no bigger position group to look at than quarterback. There had already been reports of the team extending an invite to former Clemson and Northwestern quarterback, Hunter Johnson, but there was another name on the roster that many may be familiar with, Bryce Perkins. 

Perkins signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020 after an impressive college career. Perkins originally played at Arizona State, but failed to ever see the field. He spent the 2017 season at Arizona Western Community College before ultimately transferring to the University of Virginia in 2018. During his two seasons with the Cavaliers, Perkins was a phenomenal dual-threat quarterback who passed for over 6,200 yards and ran for 1,700 more, racking up 67 career touchdowns both through the air and on the ground. 

Perkins did not see any regular season action until 2022, where he appeared in five games for the Rams, including his first career start against the Kansas City Chiefs. In those five games, he threw for 161 yards and one touchdown. While his in-game experience as a quarterback is limited, there is no denying the amount of talent that he has. 

Will The Steelers End Up Signing Either Perkins Or Johnson? 

The Steelers are in desperate need of depth at backup quarterback. In most seasons, the Steelers carry four quarterbacks into training camp. As of now, the only two quarterbacks on the roster who are locks to make the team are Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky, leaving Perkins, Johnson, and undrafted free agent, Tanner Morgan battling for the third-string job.  

With Morgan already signed, it will most likely come down to Perkins or Johnson for the fourth and final quarterback spot for the Steelers. While Johnson is a promising prospect due to his impressive arm strength and athleticism, he does not possess the same type of experience as Perkins, which may be an influencing factor in the Steelers' decision with their backup quarterback situation. 

Is Perkins The Best Option At QB3 For The Steelers In 2023? 

Perkins' ability to both throw and run the ball effectively is something that may pique the interest of Omar Khan and the Steelers' front office. Not only would this type of mobility lend well in Matt Canada's offense, but Perkins could potentially play the "Lamar Jackson" role in regular season practices to help the team prepare for the elusiveness of the Baltimore Ravens' signal-caller. While this is purely speculation, the idea of having a third quarterback on the roster with the amount of talent as Perkins is intriguing. Do not be surprised if the Steelers offer him a contract once rookie minicamp concludes. 

What are Yinz thoughts on the Steelers bringing in Bryce Perkins to rookie minicamp? Do you view him as a legitimate candidate to be QB3 this upcoming season? How do you feel about Hunter Johnson? Tanner Morgan? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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