Following the intense cutdown day frenzy, the Kansas City Chiefs wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to bolster their roster with the addition of two familiar faces as the 2024 NFL season looms closer.
Veteran running back Samaje Perine and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster both found themselves on the Chiefs’ active roster after being released by the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, respectively. Smith-Schuster, a key player in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory two seasons ago, is no stranger to the Kansas City organization. Meanwhile, Perine has made quite an impact as an adversary to the Chiefs over the past three seasons.
When questioned about Perine’s addition to the Chiefs’ backfield, head coach Andy Reid wasted no time in acknowledging the threat the 28-year-old running back poses. Perine’s 41-yard catch and run for a touchdown in the 2021 AFC Championship Game was a pivotal moment that led to the Cincinnati Bengals’ comeback victory over the Chiefs. This remains Kansas City’s lone playoff defeat in the past three seasons and stands as a barrier preventing them from achieving a record-breaking five consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
In addition to his playoff heroics, Perine has been a thorn in the side of the Chiefs during his time with the Broncos. Despite a limited role in 2023, where he managed just 32 scrimmage yards in two games, Perine’s standout performance came in a 2022 matchup against the Chiefs, where he amassed 155 scrimmage yards (106 rushing, 49 receiving) – marking his last 100-plus rushing yard game.
It is clear that the Chiefs see value in adding players who have had success against them in the past, as they aim to fortify their roster and make another championship run in the upcoming season. With the addition of Perine and Smith-Schuster, Kansas City is poised to once again contend for NFL supremacy.
