NFL Rumors: Chiefs Sign Samaje Perine to Free-Agent Contract After Broncos Exit

Adam WellsAugust 28, 2024

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The Kansas City Chiefs added to their backfield depth by taking a running back who was cut from their division-rival Denver Broncos.

Rapaport reported on Monday the Broncos were working to trade Perine, but they had already made the decision to move on from him one way or another.

After the Broncos announced Perine’s release on Tuesday, general manager George Paton told reporters they just couldn’t find a spot for him in a “stacked room” and his lack of versatility on special teams compared to someone like Audric Estime limited their options.

“[S]pecial teams does factor in at the running back position,” Paton said. “Audric’s probably going to be a four-core teamer. Jaleel can return and Watson can do some things on teams. That does factor in.”

Kansas City is signing Samaje after releasing his cousin, La’Mical Perine, in May. The Chiefs also cut running backs Emani Bailey, Keaontay Ingram and Deneric Prince as part of their final roster trim on Tuesday.

Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and undrafted rookie Carson Steele were the only running backs on the 53-man roster after cutdown day.

Perine is a seven-year veteran who was originally a fourth-round pick by Washington in the 2017 draft. He ran for a career-high 603 yards on 175 attempts as a rookie.

After two seasons in Washington, Perine split time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins in 2019. He returned to the Bengals in 2020 and remained with the club for three seasons.

The Broncos signed Perine to a two-year contract as a free agent in March 2023. He was effective as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, finishing third on the team with 50 receptions and 455 receiving yards.

Perine is regarded as one of the better blocking backs in the league. Given the uncertainty at left tackle and Jawaan Taylor’s inconsistent play at right tackle last season, the Chiefs can take advantage of Perine in pass-protection. He could also be a factor in the receiving game as a checkdown option for Patrick Mahomes.