5 Chiefs Leaving Kansas City in the New Year

3. Samaje Perine, RB

Looking to solidify their running back depth this summer, the Chiefs went out to sign RB Samaje Perine to a one-year contract. The move came one day after the 29-year-old veteran was released by the Denver Broncos, allowing Kansas City to improve its backfield by taking a shot at its AFC West rival.

Perine probably didn't anticipate seeing a lot of action this season, but that quickly changed after Isiah Pacheco fractured his leg just two weeks into the schedule.

Fast forward to Week 18 and Perine has yet to miss a Chiefs game this season. Although the ex-Oklahoma runner hasn't seen much work on the ground (19 carries for 91 yards and a TD), he's been a frequent contributor in the passing department with 309 receiving yards and a score on 27 catches.

Unsurprisingly, though, Perine's opportunities have diminished since Pacheco returned in Week 13. Since then, Perine has only played an average of 16.0 offensive snaps in the last five games (compared to 20.7 from Weeks 3 to 12). He also went from averaging 2.8 targets in five November games to an average of 2.0 in four December appearances, further illustrating his shrinking role.

It's hard to imagine the Chiefs re-signing Perine in the offseason unless he goes nuclear in the playoffs. Pacheco and fullback Carson Steele are still under contract through 2025 and it's possible that GM Veach could be interested in bringing Kareem Hunt back after his successful return to the franchise.

Perine is a solid veteran backfield presence, no doubt, but he's yet to prove to the Chiefs that he'll be irreplaceable come the spring.