The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of OTAs, getting to know the new acquisitions to the organization following another run to the Super Bowl last season. While it ended poorly, this team is still on a dynastic run, largely due to the additions that general manager Brett Veach identifies each year.
By bringing new players into the organization, others have to leave to create space. Guys like Joe Thuney, Justin Reid, and Mecole Hardman are all gone, with the latter in particular appearing to be in a rough spot with his new team, but one player might be cut before he even plays a snap with his squad.
Dual-threat running back Samaje Perine, who spent 2024 with the Chiefs, is now with the Cincinnati Bengals but faces an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster.
Former Chiefs RB Samaje Perine Could Be Cut by Bengals
Perine joined the Bengals on a one-year deal this offseason after not being retained by Kansas City. He had 48 touches for 414 yards from scrimmage and a pair of TDs during his only campaign with the team, filling his role but often being relegated to backup or third-down duty.
He spent parts of four seasons with Cincinnati earlier in his career, so this is a welcome reunion for the 29-year-old back. However, the Bengals have a loaded running back room. Chase Brown is an emerging star, Zack Moss stands to be the second option, and then sixth-round rookie Tahj Brooks is waiting in the wings.
Perine, at his age, should be fourth on the depth chart. He's dealt with injuries previously and isn't overly effective despite his experience, so it'd make sense for the organization to prioritize a role for Brooks instead.
Unless Perine shines during summer workouts and in training camp, he might be searching for a new job sooner rather than later. He's a valuable player, especially as a pass-catching option, though it's wise for a franchise to prioritize youth and development.
Kansas City doesn't have a role for him given the depth at the position with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Brashard Smith, and Carson Steele, so Perine needs to show something over the next few months to not be fighting for a job this fall.