Former Chiefs RB Samaje Perine Returns to Bengals

Cincinnati, OH – March 10, 2025: In a move that feels like a homecoming, veteran running back Samaje Perine is signing back with the Cincinnati Bengals on a 2-year, $3.8 million deal, according to league insiders. After a brief detour with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, Perine is returning to the team where he carved out a solid role from 2020 to 2022, bringing depth and familiarity to a Bengals squad eyeing a return to AFC dominance.

From Chiefs to Bengals: Perine’s 2024 Journey

Samaje Perine’s 2024 season with the Chiefs was a short chapter in his eight-year NFL career. Signed by Kansas City in August 2024 after being cut by the Denver Broncos, the 29-year-old appeared in 10 games, rushing for 108 yards on 25 carries and catching 19 passes for 171 yards. While he provided a steady hand behind starter Isiah Pacheco, his role never fully expanded, overshadowed by Pacheco’s breakout year and Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s presence. The Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year marked the end of Perine’s time in Kansas City, sending him into free agency—and right back to Cincinnati.

Perine’s history with the Bengals makes this reunion a natural fit. During his initial tenure from 2020 to 2022, he played in 42 games, accumulating 670 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, plus 73 receptions for 572 yards and 4 scores. His standout moments came during Cincinnati’s Super Bowl LVI run, where his third-down reliability and pass-catching ability earned him a special place in the hearts of Bengals fans. Now, he’s back to pick up where he left off.

Breaking Down the Deal

The 2-year, $3.8 million contract averages out to $1.9 million per season, a steal for a player of Perine’s experience and versatility. While specifics on guaranteed money haven’t been released, the modest price tag reflects the Bengals’ knack for finding value in free agency. With Joe Mixon traded to the Houston Texans in 2024 and Zack Moss taking over as the lead back, Perine slots in as a complementary piece alongside Chase Brown. His ability to block, catch passes, and grind out tough yards gives quarterback Joe Burrow another weapon in an offense that thrives on flexibility.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor didn’t hide his enthusiasm: “Samaje brings a work ethic and knowledge of our system that’s hard to replace. He’s a perfect fit for what we’re building.” At 29, Perine isn’t the flashiest name on the market, but his consistency could quietly elevate Cincinnati’s backfield in 2025.