Less than a week after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs, running back La’Mical Perine has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers announced the one-year deal on Thursday afternoon.
Perine began his NFL career with the New York Jets in 2020, where he had 64 carries for 232 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. However, he fell out of favor and was released before his third season. In 2022, he spent time on the practice squads of the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins before joining the Chiefs in 2023.
Perine will remain in the AFC with the Steelers following his recent release from the Chiefs. Last season with Kansas City, he played in three games, recording 22 carries for 77 yards.
The Chiefs’ decision to release Perine was somewhat surprising given his experience as the third most tenured running back on the roster behind Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. With Perine gone, the Chiefs are left with a thinner backfield, relying on players like Keaontay Ingram, Deneric Prince, Hassan Hall, Emani Bailey, and Carson Steele to compete for roster spots in the preseason. They may also consider adding a veteran if needed.
For the Steelers, Perine will compete for a spot behind Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson, along with Jonathan Ward and Aaron Shampklin.
Perine comes from a family of athletes, with his cousin Samaje Perine also an NFL running back, and another cousin, Myles Jack, a linebacker who played in Pittsburgh last season.
