Las Vegas Raiders: 10 free agent running backs and their fit
56. . RB. Cincinnati Bengals. Samaje Perine. 8. player
Samaje Perine was one of the best backs in college football, as he racked up more than 4,000 yards in three seasons at Oklahoma. The Washington Football Team used their fourth round pick on him in the 2017 NFL Draft and gave him a shot as a starter, but he was solid but unspectacular in his rookie season.
Perine saw his opportunities dry up in Washington and bounced between Miami and Cincinnati before getting a decent chance to showcase himself in 2020 with the Bengals. Injuries to Joe Mixon gave Perine his highest carry total since 2017, and he did well with 63 carries for 301 yards for an average of 4.8 yards per carry.
In his sole opportunity as a starter, Perine rushed for 51 yards on nine carries, but the final score of 38-3 in favor of Baltimore showed why he had less than ten attempts. He has not shown anything to make him worthy of a starting role but his build at 5’11”, 240lbs could make him an intriguing power back for the Raiders.
The former Sooner is still just 25 and has had no major injuries, so if given the chance he could perhaps shoulder a heavier workload and be integrated in to an offense. He is likely going to sign another minimum deal this offseason and could be a good bargain signing.