During the aftermath of cut-down day, Kansas City pounced on the opportunity to add a pair of familiar veterans with the 2024 season approaching.
Running back Samaje Perine and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster were each signed to the active roster following their releases from Denver and New England, respectively. While Smith-Schuster was a fixture on the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII-winning squad two years ago, Perine has been a well-known opponent for K.C. the past three seasons.
Head coach Andy Reid was quick to remember what Perine has done against his squad when asked about what the 28-year-old brings to the Chiefs' backfield.
"We all know what he did to us when he was at Cincinnati with that screenplay, but Samaje's done this over his career, where he's been a phenomenal third-down back, but he's also a good runner," Reid told reporters on Friday. "I think that you know that he's really a good person. I mean, that word has traveled around the National Football League on what kind of guy he is, a locker room guy, and so on. We welcome that, but the opportunity to have a guy in here that can do the run game and the pass game, I just think he's a good, well-rounded football player that's extremely intelligent, that is a great addition that (general manager) Brett (Veach) added to it to the team."
Perine's 41-yard catch and run was the touchdown score that prompted the Bengals' comeback win over the Chiefs in the 2021 AFC Championship Game. Not only is it Kansas City's lone playoff defeat within the past three seasons, it's the blemish preventing the Chiefs from reaching a would-be record of five straight Super Bowls.
The Chiefs have had to deal with Perine the past two seasons during his stint with the Broncos, as well. The seven-year veteran saw a limited role in 2023 (32 scrimmage yards in two games), but saw success in a 2022 start with 155 scrimmage yards (106 rushing, 49 receiving) against the Chiefs, which was the last 100-plus rushing yard game by Perine.
Perine joins a Chiefs RB room brimming with talent. Isiah Pacheco has been the featured back the past two seasons and provides an energetic charge that seems to wear down defenses as the game progresses. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has battled through multiple injuries in recent years, but has been serviceable through air and ground when healthy. Carson Steele made this year's team as an undrafted rookie after displaying great power running in the preseason.
Reid didn't rule out the possibility of both Perine and Smith Schuster playing in Thursday night's 2024 NFL Kickoff Game versus the Baltimore Ravens, a rematch of 2023's AFC title game.
"Yes, absolutely, I think so," Reid told reporters Friday. "I've just gotta see with Perine on where he's at and picking everything up. I'm not gonna put him in a bad position, obviously, but I think he's gonna be fine. He's been in here cranking away, so we'll see how everything goes."
Smith-Schuster's availability might be necessary given Marquise Brown has already been ruled out of Week 1 due to a shoulder injury. The Chiefs also waived Kadarius Toneyon cut-down day. Reid said Friday that Smith-Schuster is "healthy and ready to go," and his familiarity with the offense won't make his appearance all that surprising.
It remains to be seen if Perine's debut with the club will happen this Thursday, but Reid clearly sees a role for the veteran. Regardless, the Chiefs will take comfort in having Perine on the roster as they look to become the NFL's first three-peat Super Bowl champion.
"We look forward to this challenge of playing the Ravens -- they're a heck of a football team," Reid said. "John (Harbaugh) does a great job, along with his coaches, of preparing their guys, and we know it will be a battle royal. It's one of those games we've played over the years and it's always been a knock-down, drag-out."
