La’Mical Perine has not needed to wait long to find his next opportunity. The former Chiefs running back was let go last week, but the Steelers announced on Thursday he has been signed. 
Perine entered the league as a Jets fourth-rounder. He played sparingly on offense between the 2020 and ’21 seasons, receiving just 72 carries during that time. That was followed by short-lived stints with the Eagles and Dolphins, but his next regular season action came in 2023 with the Chiefs. Perine mainly served as a special-teamer during Kansas City’s run to a second straight Super Bowl title.
The Chiefs did not draft a running back this year, but the team nevertheless let Perine go. That has led to questions about how they will fill out their backfield depth chart during the summer, but the 26-year-old will again be joining a RB room with the top two spots accounted for. Pittsburgh has Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as returnees from last year. Both are pending free agents, but they are each positioned to once again handle a notable workload.
The Steelers added Cordarrelle Patterson this offseason in large part based on his prowess as a returner. He could serve as a third running back contributor as well, though. The team also added Jonathan Ward earlier this week, and he too will be competing for the RB3 role during training camp. Perine will provide Pittsburgh with another option in that regard.
The latter made one start last season, a regular season finale in which Kansas City sat several starters. Perine received all but one of his 22 carries on the season during that game; with only 14 career receptions, the Florida product does not profile as a pass-catching specialist on the Steelers or any other team. A special teams role therefore represents Perine’s likeliest path to playing time in Pittsburgh.
2 RB in the last 2 days.
Probably roster fodder but still interesting.
I think Ward is a running back in name only at this point. He almost exclusively plays special teams.
I’m not positive but I think the Steelers lost several special teams contributors this offseason. I vaguely recall that both their punt coverage gunners from last year are gone. So I’m sure both Ward and now Perine are attempts to fill that void.
Another solid signing.
But gee, it’d be nice to land a splash receiver
Maybe all these RBs will lead to Najee and a pick for a WR
I dunno, TJ. I like Najee and the 1-2 punch he gives them with Warren. But if it would bring them a big timer, hey, that’s fine
Nobody wants to give up assets for a running back these days, as by the start of September there’s always accomplished vets available for vet minimum (or double that).
What would you expect to get for a running back going into his option year? A 4th at best. It’s not like Harris has been a Nick Chubb or Derrick Henry.
He won’t play lol