Samaje Perine's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT5' 10'' , 236 lbs
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Birthdate09/16/1995 (29)
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CollegeOklahoma
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Draft Info2017: Rd 4, Pk 114 (WAS)
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StatusActive
2023 season stats
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Rushing Attempts53 0th
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Rushing Yards238 0th
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Rushing Touchdowns1 0th
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Total DYAR220 0th
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing veteran running back Samaje Perine to their active roster on Wednesday, according to sources. Perine quickly lands on his feet after he was cut by the division-rival Denver Broncos on Tuesday. The 28-year-old veteran will slot in as the RB4 initially for KC behind Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and rookie Carson Steele, but he could have the opportunity to operate on third downs in Andy Reid's offense sooner than later. It's certainly a much more intriguing spot for Perine due to the offensive upgrade alone, suddenly making the former fourth-rounder in 2017 out of Oklahoma worth a late-round flier in PPR leagues. In his only year in Denver in 2023, he handled 53 carries for 238 yards and one touchdown on the ground while adding a career-high 50 receptions for 455 yards in 17 games. The Perine signing could also lower the overall ceiling of lead back Isiah Pacheco.
Running back Samaje Perine was officially released by the Denver Broncos on Tuesday. Perine was previously reported as a cut candidate if the Broncos could not find a trade partner. The Broncos are moving forward with a younger running back group featuring Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime. Perine was a productive back with Denver in 2023 after several solid years with Cincinnati. He finished the season with 238 rushing yards and a touchdown on 4.5 yards per carry. More importantly, Perine caught 50 passes for 455 yards. That kind of production is sure to land Perine a job in 2024. His release opens up more opportunities for McLaughlin in the Denver offense. McLaughlin will now jump up to the No. 2 running back spot behind Williams.
The Denver Broncos are expected to move on from veteran running back Samaje Perine, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The organization is engaged in trade conversations, but if they do not reach a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. EDT roster cutdown deadline, he could be released. This move was expected by many following the acquisition of former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Denver backfield is crowded with Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Estime, so Perine has been viewed as the odd man out. Although Perine is unlikely to have a ton of fantasy value somewhere else, he could affect another running back and negatively impact their standing on the depth chart.
ESPN's Mike Clay believes that Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine could become available before the regular season begins. Perine is currently a part of a crowded backfield in Denver alongside starter Javonte Williams and change-of-pace backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. With an expiring contract and no obvious future with the Broncos, Perine is a potential cap casualty for this summer ahead of roster cuts in late August. The veteran power back did quietly make a big impact a year ago, however, turning in the second-most yards per touch (6.7) over 103 touches and most yards per route run (2.04) across 223 routes among qualifiers at his position, so he could be a valuable asset to another team needing backfield reinforcements.
Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine could be one of the players released or traded by the team this offseason, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Kosmider notes that "it wouldn't be a huge surprise if the Broncos moved on from Perine" given that releasing him would create roughly $3 million in cap space. That's a very reasonable outcome for Denver as they look for extra money and find ways to win with younger players. Perine, 28, broke free for 238 rushing and 455 receiving yards in 2023. He should be rostered as a decent RB4 option in most fantasy leagues.