In a significant move poised to reshape the competition in their quarterback room, the Detroit Lions have officially signed “electric” quarterback Bryce Perkins to contend for the No. 2 spot behind starter Jared Goff. This huge deal, finalized in the wake of Perkins’s stellar performance in the UFL (United Football League), signals the Lions’ commitment to fostering intense competition at every position as they aim for continued success and a deeper playoff run.
The signing of Perkins comes after a period of speculation and strong recommendations from analysts who highlighted his dual-threat capabilities and improved passing prowess. While Jared Goff has solidified his position as the franchise quarterback, having led the Lions to back-to-back division titles and securing a four-year contract extension, the backup role has been a point of ongoing evaluation. Third-year quarterback Hendon Hooker, a 2023 third-round pick, and veteran Kyle Allen were previously the primary competitors for the No. 2 spot. Perkins’s arrival now adds a dynamic, proven element to that battle.
Bryce Perkins, at 28 years old, has been a standout for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, earning MVP honors for his “electric” play. His UFL season stats were impressive, throwing for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for 301 yards and five touchdowns. This dual-threat ability is what truly sets him apart and makes him an intriguing addition to the Lions’ roster. He showcased an enhanced ability to make post-snap reads and extend plays with his eyes downfield, indicating significant growth since his previous stint in the NFL.
Perkins is not entirely new to the NFL landscape. He originally signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent, a team where current Lions General Manager Brad Holmes was a part of the front office. Perkins appeared in five games, with one start, for the Rams during the 2022 season, throwing for 161 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions with a 55.9% completion percentage. While that initial NFL audition didn’t yield extended playing time, his recent UFL success suggests a more mature and refined quarterback. He himself stated that his time in the UFL was “necessary for my growth as a player,” and that he “definitely want[s] to get another shot” at the NFL level.
For the Lions, the decision to bring in Perkins is multifaceted. Firstly, it’s about competition. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell have consistently emphasized a culture of competition at every position. While Hendon Hooker was drafted with potential as a future successor to Goff, his development has faced challenges, including a rookie season marred by injury and inconsistency last year. He even lost the backup job to veteran Teddy Bridgewater late last season when the team brought Bridgewater out of retirement for their playoff push. Adding Perkins ensures that Hooker will be pushed hard to earn his spot, a scenario that often brings out the best in players. Kyle Allen, while experienced, also faces an uphill battle to secure the primary backup role against a revitalized Perkins and a developing Hooker.
Secondly, Perkins offers a unique skillset. His mobility and dual-threat capabilities introduce a dynamic that isn’t currently present in the Lions’ quarterback room outside of some limited flashes from Hooker. This athleticism provides a different look for the offense in practice and offers a contingency plan in games that could adapt the playbook if Goff were to miss time. The Lions’ offensive coordinator, John Morton (who took over after Ben Johnson departed for the Bears’ head coaching job), will have a new tool to evaluate and potentially integrate.
Thirdly, there’s the familiarity factor. Brad Holmes’s prior experience with Perkins during their time together with the Rams likely played a role in this signing. Holmes would have insights into Perkins’s work ethic, character, and potential, making this a more informed decision than a typical free-agent flyer. The Lions have also shown a willingness to give players from spring leagues opportunities, making Perkins a logical fit given his UFL MVP performance.
The implications of this signing are significant for Hendon Hooker. Once viewed as the heir apparent, Goff’s impressive performance and subsequent extension have firmly cemented his starting role for the foreseeable future. Now, Hooker faces a direct and “electric” challenger for the backup spot. This is his second healthy offseason, and the pressure is on him to demonstrate significant progress and adaptation to the NFL game, particularly after playing in a more simplistic college offense. The added competition from Perkins means fewer reps in training camp and preseason will be available, intensifying the spotlight on every throw and decision. While the team remains high on Hooker’s abilities, as stated by Holmes, he will not be handed the backup job.
For the Lions as a whole, this move aligns with their broader offseason strategy. They’ve been active in solidifying their roster, especially after some key departures. While they lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs, and Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow shockingly retired, the team has worked to maintain competitiveness. The signing of Perkins reflects a continued focus on maximizing talent and fostering a meritocracy within the organization.
The “huge deal” mentioned in the announcement, while likely not in the realm of a massive contract, signifies a strong belief from the Lions’ front office in Perkins’s ability to not just fill a roster spot, but to genuinely compete for the No. 2 role. It suggests that the contract offers him a legitimate opportunity and perhaps some guaranteed money, making it a truly enticing offer for a player seeking another NFL shot.
As training camp approaches, the quarterback battle in Detroit is set to be one of the most compelling storylines. Jared Goff is the undisputed starter, but the competition behind him will be fierce. Bryce Perkins, with his “electric” playmaking ability and renewed confidence from his UFL success, will challenge Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen in a way the Lions haven’t seen in recent memory for that backup spot. This move underscores the Lions’ commitment to continuously improve their roster, pushing every player to perform at their highest level as they chase their Super Bowl aspirations. The “electric” era of Perkins in Detroit has officially begun.
