How one of the Broncos' free agent additions is a 'secret weapon'
The Denver Broncos made an under-the-radar signing that could pay off in a big way
The Denver Broncos made an under-the-radar signing on Tuesday that could end up being one of their best moves of the offseason.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Broncos agreed to a two-year deal with former Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine.
Perine isn't a bell-cow running back who is going to be the focal point of the offense.
The former Oklahoma standout has put up decent numbers in his career — he totaled almost 700 yards and six touchdowns in 2022 — but lighting up the box score isn't his strength.
Perine excels in pass protection. He had the fifth-best pass protection grade (per Pro Football Focus) by a running back in 2022.
That grade might actually be underselling his abilities a bit.
Just check out the way Perine blocked superstar Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons last season.
Most offensive tackles in the NFL have issues blocking Parsons. I wouldn't say that Perine made it look easy, but he more than held his own against one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
The Broncos are expected to run the ball more in 2023 to keep some of the pressure off quarterback Russell Wilson. But this is still a passing league and there will be plenty of situations where Wilson needs to throw the ball. And having Perine on the roster to hold off some of the league's elite pass rushers could be a key reason why Wilson and the Broncos find success in Payton's first season.
Perine may not be a blockbuster addition for Denver, but he can still be a secret weapon for the Broncos thanks to his blocking ability.
