Jaguars signing UDFA EJ Perry could spell doom for QB Jake Luton

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of those NFL teams that aren’t in need of a quarterback due to the presence of Trevor Lawrence. Thus, it’s not surprising that they didn’t invest a single pick in the 2022 NFL Draft in the position. However, they did sign EJ Perry after the conclusion of the event and he will likely have to compete with Jake Luton for a roster spot.

Perry started his collegiate career at Boston College in 2018 and transferred to Brown, an Ivy League school, in 2019. There, he appeared in 20 games and went 510-of-863 for 5,982 yards with 45 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. The former Bear has above-average accuracy and can move around the pocket. On the other hand, he can struggle against pressure and lacks arm strength. Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report scouting department believes Perry has the traits to be a high-level backup in the NFL.

"In all, Perry boasts many traits to suggest he can keep a train on the tracks. The baseline processing skills, accuracy and athleticism are all there for Perry to be an effective spot starter type. Without any game-changing traits, however, Perry likely caps out as a high-level backup, particularly for offenses that live in more of a spread world."

The Jaguars already have a backup in C.J. Beathard and the team’s brass must feel good about him. Otherwise, they would have added another signal-caller in free agency or used a draft pick on one. However, he’s set to be a free agent and it made sense for them to take a chance on a developmental prospect such as Perry. However, there’s a long road ahead of him and he might need to beat Luton to make the team.

EJ Perry could become the Jaguars primary backup down the road.

Luton was a sixth-round pick by the Jags in 2020. He went to start three games that year but lost all of them, prompting the coaching staff to go with veteran Mike Glennon. Jacksonville waived the Oregon State product last offseason and he went on to spend time with the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Giants before returning to the Jaguars.

Maybe Luton hasn’t reached his potential yet but Perry could have more upside. Now, it’s uncertain how many quarterbacks the Jags will carry into the season, so there’s a chance neither of them make the roster if the team’s brass only goes with two. If that’s the case, Perry could be a candidate for the practice squad.

Trevor Lawrence isn’t going anywhere and should be able to make a big leap in Year 2 but the Jaguars must make sure they have options in case he has to miss time. Perry could become part of that contingency plan.