E.J.

Perry

With Trevor Lawrence in concussion protocol, the Jaguars are trying to get another quarterback in the building and on the practice field in case Lawrence is unable to clear league protocols by Sunday. Perry played quarterback at Boston College and Brown before also playing in the USFL with the Michigan Panthers. He spent the 2022 offseason with the Jaguars and was waives in March at which point he was claimed off waivers by the Texans. The Texans waived him in May and he’s been a free agent since. The fact that the Jaguars signed somebody primarily for their familiarity with the system suggests a lack of real concern for Lawrence, who would likely only miss one game, if any at all.

Perry landed on Jacksonville’s practice squad after a short time off in July. He’ll likely battle former CFL QB Nathan O’Rourke to be third string on Jacksonville’s depth chart behind Trevor Lawrence and, if he re-signs, C.J. Beathard. The Jaguars also signed WR Kevin Austin, OL Coy Cronk, K James McCourt, WR Jaylon Moore, OL James Murray, DB Ayo Oyelola, TE Gerrit Prince, RB Mekhi Sargent, DE Nick Thurman, OL Darryl Williams, and WR Seth Williams to reserve/future deals.

At one point, it was tough to find clips on Perry (6’2/210) because of how far he was flying under the radar. He eventually earned a Shrine Bowl invite, in which he was ultimately named the offensive MVP, and a Combine invite. He played a crucial role in elevating the offense of what could be the worst team in all of college football, completing 66.5% of his passes for 3,034 yards with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. While the touchdown-to-interception ratio will have to improve, Perry has shown he can be more than competent as a passer and brings a high level of athleticism to the table, things that should make him a highly appealing project to NFL teams.

This one sneaks in a little under the radar. Perry (6'2/210) stuck it out through spring practice and was actually effusive in praising his Boston College experience as late as April, going so far as to say, “This is where I want to be. I love it here.” Just what pushed him to push on out from the Eagles is not currently known. During his time in the program, Perry threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns on 39 passing attempts, with all of those numbers accumulated in backup duty during this past season. Temple is set at quarterback starter with Anthony Russo, who looks likely to be backed up by Matt Valecce and Sam Johnson with Perry no longer on roster.

Perry came in after Anthony Brown left with an undisclosed injury, and it didn’t go swimmingly. To be fair, this is among the best defenses in football, and lots of teams are going to struggle against Clemson with their starting quarterback, much less their backup. Still, it’s safe to say that Brown will remain the starter if he’s able to go next Saturday against Florida State.

Perry (6'2/200) did not see the field for the most recent campaign. He’ll be receiving reps a-plenty with the first-team offense this spring. John Fadule should also receive a look.