Michigan Panthers Re-Sign Seven Players For 2025 | E.J. Perry
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Michigan Panthers Re-Sign E.J. Perry & Daniel Wise

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On Tuesday, the Michigan Panthers made two important transactions – re-signing QB E.J. Perry and DT Daniel Wise for the 2025 UFL season. Both were starters when healthy, and are two pieces who will be key to Michigan’s success moving forward.

QB E.J. Perry

E.J. Perry needs no introduction. He became a star in the USFL late in the 2023 season, when he joined the team and ultimately led them to the playoffs in his first start. While they lost in the postseason, Perry was phenomenal in that game, and gave Panthers fans hope for the future with him at the helm.

2024 told a slightly different story. E.J. Perry did win the starting job over Danny Etling, but got off to a rocky start, especially with turnovers. In week four, however, he went down with an injury, and was placed on IR – ending his season. While he technically returned off of IR down the stretch, E.J. wasn’t active for the final games.

In 2024, E.J. threw for 664 yards and two touchdowns, while tossing three picks. He made an impact with his legs, though, rushing for 151 yards and four scores. After re-signing with Michigan earlier this offseason, he got an NFL opportunity with the Jaguars – and stuck there for some time.

Now, he’ll once again look to compete for the starting gig with the Panthers. It won’t be easy, as he’ll be heading into Training Camp alongside Danny Etling and Bryce Perkins. After seeing what Perkins could do last year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Perry end up as QB2 behind Bryce.

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DT Daniel Wise

On the defensive side of the football, the Panthers have re-signed DT Daniel Wise. This is a fantastic move for the organization, bringing back an All-UFL talent that unfortunately missed the second half of the season in 2024.

Wise was an offseason addition for Michigan through the USFL-XFL merger. Daniel ended up posting 16 tackles, three TFL’s, and 1.5 sacks in five games – before going down with a season ending injury.

Having Daniel back in Collin Bauer’s defense is excellent news. He had a strong 72.0 Defensive Grade according to PFF, and was outstanding as a run defender.

Wise spent his college football days at Kansas, with 152 tackles and 16 sacks to his name as a Jayhawk. He spent some time in the NFL with the Cowboys and Commanders as an UDFA, with 11 tackles so far in his NFL career.

General Manager Steve Kazor continues to secure important assets for this Panthers franchise heading towards 2025. With a 7-3 record in 2024, Michigan was one of the best teams in the league. Instead of changing things up – which they don’t need to do – bringing back the majority of the roster, while tweaking certain positions, is the way to go.

What are your thoughts on Daniel Wise returning to Michigan? Will E.J. Perry be the starting QB for the Panthers in 2025? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!

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James Larsen
Growing up, football was one of the few things that brought me joy. It's always played a major role in my life, and continues to do so. As I've delved into sports reporting/writing, spring football has become my passion. Covering the XFL & USFL is a dream come true, and I look forward to plenty of excellent seasons in the years to come.
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  1. I like Bryce Perkins a lot and he deserves this shot. He quarterbacked the Monday night game for the Rams a few years back where both Stafford and Wohlford were hurt. He had never played an NFL game before and the Rams could have played the newly signed and maybe more experienced Case Cookus. But Bryce Perkins had waited for his time and instead of the playing a newcomer like so many coaches do, Sean McVay played him and the Rams defense played hard and Bryce Perkins played within the gameplan and rewarding his coach for his trust by playing a fine game even if you could tell he was going through the play in his head while the play was ongoing. I was so excited to on my trip to DC to see the Defenders saw Bryce Perkins on the Panthers. He played awesome! It’s like he was finding himself as the game went on. As far as EJPerry, I think you underestimate is season. He did throw a couple of early interceptions, but this is the UFL, where there is very little preseason so have to allow for that. By the time Jake Bates kicked that amazing game-winner the team was FULLY behind Perry. To me that is all that needs to be said. As far as Etling goes, early on he seemed too dependent on the run, clearly unsure of his skills and getting his feet wet, but once he showed off his arm, he is surely part of this equation. There is a QB battle brewing in Michigan, although I still feel one of these may be traded for a quality player, but we shall see. I think Michigan should bring back Brock Miller for 2025. I am unfamiliar with Simon Laryea. If he is that good, than great. However, Mike Nolan likes to play a complete game, even though is team specializes on defense and field position. Brock Miller plays to the strengths of the Panthers game. He may short himself 2 yards of average, but says his team 10 yards of field position. I also think a rookie kicker might enjoy having an experienced holder such as Brock Miller. I think it’s safe to say with another rookie kicker it is good to have an experienced holder. One last thing. Two have 3 QBs on this roster to this level, the UFL needs expansion in 2026.

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