2023 Redraft Target: Samaje Perine
Welcome To Our 2023 Redraft Target Series!
We continue this year at Fantasy In Frames with our 2023 Redraft Target Profile series, where each fantasy analyst will provide you with a 5-10 video breakdown of each player’s current team and playing situation, key stats to take away from their career/most recent season, and their redraft fantasy football value going forward. Once you’re done viewing this article’s comprehensive breakdown, head to our YouTube channel and support us by subscribing here for more great fantasy football content. Here is our breakdown of 2023 Redraft Target: Samaje Perine!
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Player Overview
A perpetual backup in his first six years in the league, Samaje Perine looks set to carve out a significant role in the Broncos’ rushing attack this coming year. After working as Joe Mixon’s backup in Cincinnati over the last three seasons, Perine moved west to join Sean Payton in Denver this off-season.
After a lacklustre 2022, the hope is that Payton will be able to rejuvenate an offense which ranked 29th in offensive DVOA, per Football Outsiders. The team has subsequently spent significant capital aiming to improve the offensive line, signing Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers in free agency.
This all leaves Samaje Perine in a highly beneficial position. The former fourth-round pick was the primary pass-catching back in Cincinnati, hitting a career-high 51 targets last season. With presumed RB1 Javonte Williams returning from a significant knee injury, Perine should command touches in an offense which has primarily occurred by committee
Fantasy Summary
In summary, Perine stands in a great position to beat his current ADP irrespective of the circumstances with running mate Javonte Williams. The veteran is in line for a sizeable role, particularly high-value touches in passing situations, in a (hopefully) much improved offense.
Sean Payton has long used a running back committee approach, something which appears unlikely to change suddenly given the investment in Perine and Williams’ injury concerns. As a result Perine holds more standalone value than at any point during his tenure in Cincinnati.
It is worth reiterating, however, the upside Perine possesses. While Williams appears to be on schedule, recovery from such serious injuries is not always smooth. In recent years we have seen plenty of such examples, including JK Dobbins last season. As we saw during last season when Mixon missed time, Perine is a more than capable stand-in when asked to handle the lion’s share of touches.
Expect Perine to provide plenty of flex value, particularly in PPR leagues, with the potential of sky-high upside.