Broncos roster series: No. 25, RB Samaje Perine

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at eighth-year running back Samaje Perine, No. 25.

Before the Broncos: Perine (5-11, 235 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma with the now-Washington Commanders in 2017. He spent two seasons in DC, totaling 822 yards from scrimmage and scoring two touchdowns in 21 games (eight starts).

After failing to make Washington’s 53-man roster in 2019, Perine was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, who later demoted him to their practice squad. Two months later, the Miami Dolphins signed Perine off Cincinnati’s practice squad.

Miami waived Perine the following spring and the Bengals re-signed him. That marked a turning point in the running back’s career. Over the next three years, Perine totaled 1,490 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns in Cincinnati.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Perine to a two-year, $7.5 million contract last spring. He rushed 53 times for 238 yards and one score last fall while adding a career-high 50 receptions for 455 receiving yards in 17 games.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely. Perine is not a lock to make the roster because he’s set to turn 29 this fall and Denver would save $3 million if he’s released. The Broncos have a crowded running back depth chart, but Perine is the team’s best blocking and receiving back, which helps his chances of making the team.