Dehner still considers Samaje Perine a potential reunion candidate for the Bengals. The idea of bringing back their former backup and passing-down specialist emerged this offseason, and Perine might not secure a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man roster. As a vested veteran, Perine would become a free agent if released, but the Bengals could also acquire him through a trade to reunite with their former backup to Joe Mixon.
Perine has a $2.83MM salary this season and played a significant role as a Russell Wilson outlet during the Broncos’ five-game winning streak last year. However, Denver might keep only three running backs, with Javonte Williams firmly established as the starter. The Broncos also have shifty rotational player Jaleel McLaughlin and fifth-round rookie Audric Estime vying for roster spots.
The Bengals traded Joe Mixon to Houston for a seventh-round pick and brought in Zack Moss as a lower-cost replacement. They will also retain 2023 fifth-rounder Chase Brown and third-stringer Trayveon Williams. However, they recently lost fourth-year RB Chris Evans to a season-ending patellar tendon tear. Despite the Bengals giving Moss a two-year, $8MM deal, Dehner expects Brown to start over him.
Even if Perine doesn’t return to Cincinnati, Dehner notes that running back is a position the Bengals are likely to seek to upgrade in the near future. Teams have until 3 p.m. CT Tuesday to finalize their initial 53-man rosters.
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