Steelers' exciting rookie is going to have to wait his turn in line after Pittsburgh doubles down on a veteran weapon

"The Steelers signed running back Jaylen Warren to a new three-year contract. Warren originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft, making the 53-man roster from the start. . .

" . . .In three seasons, Warren appeared in 48 games, not making any starts. He has 346 carries for 1,674 yards, a 4.8-yard average, and six touchdowns. He also has 127 receptions for 894 yards, a 7.0-yard average.

- Teresa Varley, Steelers

The new deal guarantees Warren over $12 million and ensures his stability within the franchise. Warren signed a tender earlier this offseason, but he was slated to hit free agency in March of 2026. Now, he can fully focus on his new role as the Steelers' starter.

Warren has quite the success story. From junior college to Utah State, to Oklahoma State, his post high school career wasn't easy. Undersized, he battled to make it to the NFL and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.

He immediately incurred success as a homerun hitter and change of pace player that contrasted what Najee Harris brought as the starter. Now, he's fully entrenched as the lead back, but Kaleb Johnson is hot on his tail.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/aq_5Urwk2og

I know he was only a third-rounder, but the Steelers believe Johnson can be their next Le'Veon Bell. He has everything you want from a starter when talking size, fluidity, and power, but he has yet to show that second gear that Warren has.

So time will tell how this all plays out. If nothing else, you can bet that the Steelers' backfield will have some continuity for the next few years. It's up to Warren to hold onto the football. That has been his Achilles heel thus far.

Because if he holds onto the ball, he's likely to hold onto the starting job.