Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or DeeJay Dallas

Saturday, February 21, 10:39 AM

Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The veteran back has established himself as a quality pass-blocker and capable RB2 over the course of his nine-year NFL career. That's the role Perine played alongside Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in 2025, and with both backs under contract for 2026, Cincinnati appears likely to run it back next season. Without an injury to Brown, Perine carries limited fantasy upside. Even if Brown were to miss time, it's possible the Bengals would look to bring in a more dynamic rusher and keep Perine in a secondary role. While Perine has recorded at least 400 scrimmage yards in five straight seasons, he hasn't topped the 700-yard mark since his rookie year in 2017 and has logged just 19 touchdowns in 125 career NFL games. Perine's fantasy ceiling is uninspiring as he hits the late stages of his career.

Monday, February 16, 7:52 AM

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Monday that they re-signed running back DeeJay Dallas to an undisclosed deal. Dallas appeared in only six regular-season games in 2025, split between the Carolina Panthers and the Jaguars. He only saw three rushing attempts for 21 yards and didn't catch his only target in the passing game. The 27-year-old also contributed on special teams, returning 12 kickoffs for 321 yards. He was a healthy scratch in the Wild-Card Round loss to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. Dallas most likely will face an uphill battle for playing time in Jacksonville in 2026, but he could have more of a chance for a role in the Jags' backfield if the team lets Travis Etienne Jr. walk as a free agent. The former fourth-rounder by the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 out of Miami has a total of 124 rushing attempts for 538 yards and four touchdowns in his six years in the NFL with four different teams.