The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to sign Samaje Perine to a two-year, $3.6 million contract is evidence of their patience, respect, and sense of value. The March 2025 signing illustrates how reliability can occasionally triumph over glitz. For a seasoned running back who has demonstrated his dependability for almost ten years, this contract feels well-deserved and incredibly well-timed.
Even though Perine’s contract is modest by today’s standards, it has a very clear goal. In 2025, his base pay will be $1.4 million, plus a $8,190 workout bonus and a $400,000 restructure bonus, for a total cap hit of about $1.6 million. This deal stands out in a market full of overpriced offers because it is surprisingly affordable, both strategically and financially.
Perine began as a supporting player but has since developed into a highly adaptable back who can fit in with a variety of offensive schemes. His football intelligence has significantly increased as a result of his time with teams like Washington, Denver, and Kansas City; he is now a situational weapon instead of a rotational placeholder. That maturity is especially helpful for Cincinnati, as the offense relies heavily on accuracy and balance.
Samaje Perine – Bio and Contract Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samaje Perine |
| Position | Running Back |
| Team | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1995 (Jacksonville, Florida, USA) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 240 lbs (109 kg) |
| College | University of Oklahoma |
| NFL Draft | 2017 NFL Draft – Round 4, Pick 114 (Washington Commanders) |
| NFL Experience | 8 Years |
| Current Contract | Two-year deal worth $3.6 million with the Cincinnati Bengals (signed March 10, 2025) |
| Signing Bonus | $400,000 (roster bonus treated as signing) |
| Guaranteed Money | $40,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | $1.8 million |
| Free Agency Year | 2027 (UFA) |
| Reference | Spotrac – Samaje Perine Contract Details |
There was more to the decision to bring him back than just nostalgia. Perine’s efficiency metrics were found to be significantly above average for veteran running backs in his age group by the Bengals front office using advanced analytics. Both his pass protection efficiency and yards-after-contact rate were extremely effective, demonstrating a player whose performance holds steady even as his workload changes.
The signing has been referred to as an anchor signing by analysts in recent days because it subtly strengthens roster stability without compromising financial flexibility. Cincinnati’s approach has significantly improved, emphasizing practical choices that maintain long-term health rather than short-term buzz, even though headline-grabbing moves frequently characterize offseasons. The Perine contract is a perfect fit for that mold.
Perine has been with the Bengals for three stints; the team values him more than just his stats. His previous term, which spanned 2019 to 2022, featured quiet flashes of genius, including pivotal postseason contributions that demonstrated his dependability under duress. His resilient and conscious style of play reflects the emotional stability that characterizes veterans of championship caliber.
There is symbolic significance to Perine’s return in the Bengals’ offensive ecosystem. As Joe Burrow continues to regain his rhythm and young running backs like Chase Brown try to find their footing, it is very helpful to have a calm, experienced mentor. Beyond yards gained, Perine’s impact is felt in terms of poise, culture, and consistency.
This contract is especially novel because it is structured around incentives rather than guarantees. By exceeding 500 rushing yards or 350 receiving yards per season, he can earn an additional $100,000, a provision that recognizes contributions without putting a strain on the cap. It’s a very successful accountability model that rewards achievement rather than tradition.
By exercising strategic foresight, Cincinnati made sure that Perine’s signing would not limit their ability to negotiate in the future. The company has established a reputation for taking a methodical approach to extensions, particularly as big negotiations involving athletes like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase draw near. The Bengals prioritize sustainability over spectacle and balance over boldness, as evidenced by the Perine contract, which is modest in comparison.
A deeper aspect of the athlete’s mindset is also revealed by Perine’s journey. Despite changing roles and rosters, he has maintained his professionalism, groundedness, and remarkably similar attitude to veterans like Latavius Murray, who recognize that consistency is a form of leadership in and of itself. Because of his humility, which is sometimes characterized as quietly commanding, he is one of the few athletes whose influence in the locker room frequently surpasses his stat line.
Perine’s decision to rejoin the Bengals completes a circle in his career, as he returns to a team that values his consistency and adaptability. Trust is more important than depth when it comes to his signing. In a sport where volatility is becoming more and more prevalent, that trust feels incredibly resilient and effective.
With running back rotations becoming so erratic, the Bengals’ decision to acquire Perine now seems especially advantageous. Coaches greatly appreciate the flexibility he offers by handling a variety of offensive duties, from third-down receptions to short-yardage bursts. Because of his versatility, he can bridge the gap between youthful energy and seasoned discipline.
