
#34 RB · Cincinnati Bengals
Height
5'11"
Weight
240 lbs
Age
30
College
Oklahoma
Draft
2017, Rd 4, #114
Experience
9 yrs
RB Rank
#180 / 186
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Yards | TD | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 119 | 2,304 | 12 | 4.1 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 15 | 382 | 3 | 4.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 92 | 1 | 4.6 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 17 |
Length
2 years
Total Value
$3.6M
Guaranteed
$400K
AAV
$1.8M/yr
The Bengals secured solid depth at a reasonable price, making Perine's two-year, $3.6M deal ($1.8M AAV) a fair value proposition that earns a C CVI. While Perine falls into the unproven tier production-wise, his salary reflects appropriate backup running back compensation in today's market, avoiding the trap of overpaying for marginal talent at a replaceable position. At 28, he's entering his prime years but without the wear-and-tear of a featured back, potentially offering Cincinnati reliable production as a complementary piece behind Joe Mixon. The contract structure heavily favors the team with minimal guaranteed money ($400K), providing easy exit flexibility while giving Perine a chance to prove his worth over two seasons. This represents the type of shrewd roster building that allows teams to allocate premium dollars elsewhere — Cincinnati gets a capable veteran who can contribute on special teams and provide spelling duties without breaking the bank or creating long-term salary cap complications.
Samaje Perine's F grade in Cincinnati is a stark decline for a running back who was once a reliable veteran contributor. Perine showed his value as a receiving back and change-of-pace option in previous seasons, including some clutch performances in the Bengals' playoff run. But the production has completely dried up, and the F grade reflects a player who is no longer contributing at a meaningful level. The Bengals' backfield has evolved, and Perine has been left behind. His best days as an NFL running back are clearly behind him, and the F grade accurately captures where he stands right now. Perine's career has been respectable, but this chapter isn't a good one.
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| 238 |
| 1 |
| 4.5 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 16 | 394 | 2 | 4.1 |
| 2021 | ![]() | 16 | 246 | 1 | 4.5 |
| 2020 | ![]() | 16 | 301 | 3 | 4.8 |
| 2019 | ![]() | 7 | 16 | 0 | 3.2 |
| 2018 | ![]() | 5 | 32 | 0 | 4.0 |
| 2017 | ![]() | 16 | 603 | 1 | 3.4 |
Updated Mar 19, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)