The Denver Broncos needed to add a running back into the mix heading into this off-season. During NFL Free Agency, Denver added a versatile rusher to pair alongside Javonte Williams this season.
Samaje Perine will bring value to Denver in multiple departments
With Javonte Williams set to be ‘on track’ to return from his ACL injury, the Denver Broncos invested in a strong security blanket after coming to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine.
Perine has been a consistent contributor to the Bengals’ offense over the course of the last three years — appearing in 16 games each of the last three seasons. While he wasn’t the primary option for Cincinnati, Perine complimented talented rusher Joe Mixon perfectly.
In 2022, Perine rushed 95 times for 394 yards averaging 4.1 yards per rushing attempt — he also contributed two touchdowns on the ground.
Not only does Perine offer Denver value as a rusher, but he also provides the Broncos’ offense with a legitimate pass-catching option out of the backfield.
Last season he caught 38 passes for 287 yards through the air while hauling in four receiving touchdowns.
With new head coach Sean Payton controlling the Broncos’ offensive scheme and design, Javonte Williams will more than likely be the team’s bell-cow rusher while Perine gets his reps throughout each offensive series.
While offering Denver value as a pass catcher and rusher, a more underrated element of his game is his physicality in pass protection.
On tape, he’s demonstrated good instincts and embraces physicality when asked to block. For Payton’s offense, this will be an important element that will give Russell Wilson more time in mass protection situations.
The trend so far in NFL Free Agency for Denver has been all about physicality and protecting the quarterback. Perine is a great security blanket option for Denver and could fit perfectly into Payton’s offensive scheme.
Even though Denver added Perine to the mix, it wouldn’t surprise anybody if they re-signed Latavius Murray as another RB option in the event Williams’ return from injury experiences any setback or requires additional time.
So far general manager George Paton and Payton have nailed free agency needs for the Denver Broncos on paper. The real measure will be determined once the regular season rolls around.
