Why Broncos RB Samaje Perine could thrive in Sean Payton's offense

Despite running back Javonte Williams' sooner-than-expected return from an ACL tear suffered last season, a new addition to the Denver Broncos backfield, Samaje Perine, is in prime position to thrive in 2023. 

Several factors favor Perine to have a big first year at Mile High. For starters, he's joining an offense run by head coach Sean Payton, who is known to utilize two backs or more. Under Payton, Perine isn't likely to get lost in the shuffle, even with a healthy Williams. 

During his time with the New Orleans Saints, whether it was the combination of Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush or later Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram, Payton kept his running backs involved. Only five times over Payton's 15 seasons on the Saints sidelines did his team fail to have at least two running backs with 100 carriers or more. Furthermore, eight different combos of running backs accomplished the feat, featuring a who's who of complimentary runners Payton helped get the most out of, including the likes of Aaron Stecker, Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas, Tim Hightower and Lativius Murray. 

His past usage and versatility also favor Perine. A six-year veteran, Perine is still only 27 years old and has been used sparingly over his career. Entering his seventh NFL season, he should be ready for a steady workload in Denver. 

Perine has topped only 100 carries once, rushing the ball 175 times during his rookie year (2017). Perine has 401 carries (4.0 yards per attempt), a number the Broncos' No. 1 back, Williams, is over halfway to reaching after only 21 NFL games (250 carries). In 2022, Perine rushed for 394 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry over 95 attempts, adding two touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, he proved he could catch the ball out of the backfield last season, snatching a career-high 38 receptions for 287 yards and four touchdowns. 

Williams is the remaining factor that could affect how Payton and the Broncos use Perine. The 23-year-old has proven to be the undisputed leader of Denver's running back core, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt over two seasons. However, even with his quick return from a devastating season-ending knee injury in Week 4 last year, the positive return rate for ball-carriers following an ACL tear isn't great, especially in year one. To combat this, the Broncos will likely ease Williams into the offense and monitor his touches heavily, especially early on. 

There will be touches available and Perine should be the principal benefactor. Aside from Williams, there won't be much competition for Perine in the carries department. After Williams and Perine, the only other players possibly in line for touches included undrafted rookie back Jaleel McLaughlin and fullback Michael Burton, who has 28 carrier rushing attempts over eight NFL seasons.