Joe Burrow is determined to make the 2025 season a major improvement for the Cincinnati Bengals after falling short last year. One of the first steps in that process is bringing back players who understand the team from the inside. That includes a running back who struggled to find success with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs last season.
According to Mike Garofolo, the Bengals are giving Samaje Perine another shot, reuniting him with the team for the upcoming season to bolster Burrow’s offensive options. Perine previously played for Cincinnati from 2019 to 2021.
In 2024, he was with the Kansas City Chiefs, aiming to carve out a role alongside Mahomes, but things didn’t go as planned. Despite being active for 17 games and appearing in three playoff matchups, he managed just 92 rushing yards on 20 attempts.
The Bengals’ running back room achieved a total of 1,574 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2024 NFL season. A bit more productivity could have potentially helped them secure a playoff spot without relying on the outcomes of other teams.
The experience of Samaje Perine as a second option
During his tenure with the Bengals from 2020 to 2022, Samaje Perine proved to be a valuable asset, contributing significantly both as a running back and a receiver. As a backup, he showcased his reliability, amassing a total of 941 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns over the three seasons.
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In addition to his rushing prowess, Perine excelled in the receiving game, accumulating 549 yards and 5 touchdowns through the air. His versatility as a second or third option out of the backfield was a tremendous help to quarterback Joe Burrow.
By effectively catching passes and creating mismatches against opposing defenses, Perine added a crucial dynamic to the Bengals’ offense. This dual-threat capability enabled the team to diversify their playcalling and keep defenses on their toes, making them a more formidable opponent during his time with the franchise.
