Samaje Perine will not return to the Broncos. The team added multiple backs this offseason, and its primary passing-down option from 2023 is no longer part of the plan.
While it may come down to Denver releasing Perine, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports the team is engaged in talks around a trade. It looks like the Broncos will try to collect an asset for the veteran back, who made notable contributions as an outlet option behind Javonte Williams last season.
Denver gave Perine a two-year, $7.5MM deal in 2023, and the former Bengals backup played behind Williams while operating as a key Russell Wilson target. But the team drafted Audric Estime in Round 5 this year. UDFA Blake Watson also drew attention this summer. Estime, Williams and 2023 UDFA standout Jaleel McLaughlin are almost definitely Denver’s top three backs, with Watson a potential practice squad option. With Sean Payton indicating the team is keeping its three quarterbacks, at least one extra cut is coming somewhere.
The Bengals have come up as a rumored trade suitor at multiple junctures this year. The team moved on from Joe Mixon, whom Perine backed up for three-plus seasons, and has Chase Brown and UFA addition Zack Moss atop its depth chart. Perine would stand to fall back in as a passing-down option, if Cincinnati is indeed interested in reacquiring him.
Perine will turn 29 next month, but his lighter career workload (605 touches) has kept him a viable option. He should land somewhere soon. The former Washington draftee totaled a career-high 455 receiving yards last season, which featured some key late-game work as a low-wattage Broncos offense strung together multiple game-winning drives during a five-game win streak. But Perine entered camp competing for a job. Williams fared better this summer and is locked into a gig in his contract year.
The Broncos have until 3pm CT Tuesday to move Perine, who is a vested veteran and would bypass the waiver process. The Bengals could opt to wait on that rather than part with an asset, but it would depend on if any other suitors are out there.
No surprise here. McLaughin and Estime are younger, better and cheaper.
Facts. They could maybe get a 7th from Lions or Panthers.
Cowboys could use him…
Yes Dallas for sure. Also bengals Steelers lions commanders panthers giants bills dolphins etc.
Lions have no need for him at all…
Yes, Lions have a lot of depth. Perine is useful as a 3rd down back. Anyone who doesn’t have one is where he should be going.
Need is overrated. Anyone anytime can go down
I don’t know if they’re categorically better, but no, it’s not surprising. McLaughlin is explosive, but he is tiny. Perine is a good pass catcher, on top of just being much larger than McLaughlin, and is a good pass protector.
I don’t know, I liked Perine in his role for Denver. Payton still doesn’t seem to have found a back that he really trusts. Every player seems like he has been subject to release rumors pretty regularly.
Come to the Steelers. They don’t really need him, but his cousin’s already there) and if he plays for the Steelers he can’t hurt them like he always seemed to do as a Bengal.
The Bengals should wait & sign him when he gets released, they were looking to add someone after losing Chris Evans for the season.
He should come home to the NFC East. Dallas should sign this ex-Redskin so he can become a Giants-killer.