Los Angeles Rams Turn To The Inexpensive Bryce Perkins In Replacing Their Most Expensive Player, An Ailing Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams are asking one of the NFL’s lowest-paid quarterbacks to replace the pricey Matthew Stafford in facing the AFC-West leading Kansas City Chiefs of Sunday.

Bryce Perkins, the owner of a two-year, $1.4 million contract, will embark on his first NFL start as Stafford continues his 2022 journey that hopefully doesn’t end his career.

Stafford, a 13-year veteran who has a four-year, $160 million pact, is in the NFL’s concussion protocol for the second time in three weeks as he will skip his second game over that same span come Sunday.

What was especially alarming about Stafford’s latest injury, which came in the Rams’ loss to the New Orleans Saints last week, is that he temporarily lost feeling in his legs.

The setback was categorized as a neck injury by the Rams (3-7) which put Stafford in the concussion protocol. No matter the verbiage, it’s clear Stafford will have to make some critical decisions in the future.

Many think Stafford should be shut down with the Rams’ dreadful season in full gear. Others also wondered why Stafford was active against the Cardinals, so soon after his concussion?

Coach Sean McVay said he was cautious in handling Stafford, but once he was cleared to suit up, McVay didn’t stand in his way. Among those that gave McVay and Stafford the green light was a Pittsburgh neck specialist.

“You guys know Matthew,’’ McVay said. “He is so tough. He’s such a great competitor, and I definitely think that’s probably one of those deals where, if you know he is cleared, you definitely want to make sure that I’m making a smart decision for him and for our team not exclusive to this year.’’

So Sunday in Kansas City (8-2) will be Perkins time to shine. L.A. has its fingers crossed that he’s ready for his close-up in a game in which the Rams (15.5 points) are a double-digit underdogs for the first time in the McVay era.

The Rams will likely see a drop off from Stafford to Perkins, as in the NFL one usually receives what they have paid for.

The difference between the two in guaranteed money illustrates how far about the teammates are: Stafford’s deal guarantees him $130 million while Perkins guarantee is exclusive to this year’s base salary of $742,500.

Drilled down more, Stafford’s guarantee is 17,500 percent more than Perkins.