Now the lead running back in Pittsburgh, Jaylen Warren received a contract extension ahead of the 2025 season.
Warren and the Steelers agreed to a two-year extension, the running back's agency announced on Monday. Warren's extension has a total value of $17.5 million over the next three years, will pay him over $7 million this season and includes $12 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported.
Pittsburgh has since announced the deal.
An undrafted free agent in 2022, Warren was set to enter the season on a one-year, $5.35 million restricted free agent tender. Now, he's gotten a pay bump and is under contract through 2027.
In three seasons in Pittsburgh, Warren played the change-of-pace role behind Najee Harris. Despite not starting a game in his career, Warren has displayed big-play acumen, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, sixth-most among RBs since 2022, per NFL Research (minimum 300 rushing attempts).
An explosive ball-carrier, Warren owns the ability to get to the edge and can outrun defensive backs on the perimeter. While he isn't best built to run inside, he's no slouch either. In 2024, he generated 30 missed forced tackles, per PFF, and earned 3.2 yards per carry after contact.
With Harris moving to L.A., Warren takes the starting mantle in Pittsburgh. He'll likely share carries with rookie Kaleb Johnson and veteran Kenneth Gainwell, but Warren should be the clear RB1 in Pittsburgh to open the season. The contract extension underscores that plan.
