At the trade deadline, the Dallas Cowboys might be interested in purchasing a second running back.
Running back Samaje Perine of the Denver Broncos could be traded to the Cowboys, as suggested by Randy Gurzi of The Landry Hat. For the Broncos, the 28-year-old running back plays a crucial role as a receiving and third-down back. Perine has actually participated in 40% of the offensive snaps thus far this season.
Gurzi contends that Dallas ought to pursue the 5-foot-11, 235-pound Perine because of their ineffectiveness in the red zone.
Gurzi comments, “Having said that, Dallas could still use a power back who can pick up the hard yards and push the ball forward.” It would therefore make sense for them to inquire about Samaje Perine’s willingness to be traded by the Denver Broncos.
Reasons for Broncos to Trade Samaje Perine Before the Trade Deadline
The fact that the Broncos are expected to enter the trade deadline on October 31 as sellers may help the Cowboys’ case in any possible deal for Perine. Denver, which is now 2–5, will probably look to the 2024 NFL Draft to find its next quarterback.
The Broncos may be eager to move Perine given they have two capable running backs in Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin. Perine inked a two-year, $7.5 million contract this past offseason.
Gurzi describes Perine as a huge athlete who had six touchdowns overall for the Bengals in 2022 at the height of five feet eleven inches and 240 pounds. “Jaleel McLaughlin is a younger player that Denver may want to see more touches for, but they’re also breaking apart as a team, which is why he signed with them in the offseason. Perine might be sold if they determine he has what it takes to be an RB2.
Rationale for Cowboys to Use Samaje Perine in the Red Zone
One of the NFL’s largest running backs is Perine. He is really the league’s seventh-heaviest running back.
The Broncos haven’t been using Perine as a red zone back despite his “massive” frame. He has primarily been used in instances where there is an obvious passing opportunity or during the two-minute offense at the conclusion of halves and games. During the first seven games of this season, Perine has 20 catches for 215 receiving yards. His career highs are 10.8 yards per reception and 2.9 catches per game.
But as Gurzi points out, he’s a proven short-yardage back. As a featured back for the Cincinnati Bengals the previous season, Perine recorded a 49.5% rushing success rate, meaning he successfully gained at least 40% of the yards needed on first down, 60% of the yards needed on second down, and 100% of the yards needed on third or fourth down.
In actuality, that rushing success rate exceeds Tony Pollard’s season-long rate of 49.0%.
Perine scored twice on his six attempts inside the 10-yard line during the previous season. Compared to Pollard’s 2-for-17 conversion rate this season (11.8%), his 33% conversion rate is far better.
The Cowboys, who rank 26th in the league in red zone efficiency (39.1%), have a well-documented red zone record. As Dallas approaches the last stretch of the season, resolving those problems is crucial.
Given that Perine is not the only prominent back on the Broncos roster, the veteran running back may be acquired for a low draft pick—perhaps a fifth or sixth round selection.
