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Steelers Make Final Decision on Running Back's Contract Amid Roster Shake Up

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 12:10 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen massive changes to their offense entering the 2025 campaign. The arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf and receiver George Pickens' departure have stolen all the headlines. However, there has also been a changing of the guard in Pittsburgh's running back room.

After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Steelers, Najee Harris departed for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. In turn, Pittsburgh selected running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, it's clear one of the Steelers' returnees should lead the pack at running back entering the 2025 campaign.

Jaylen Warren is preparing for his fourth season in Pittsburgh. Unlike Harris, he isn't expected to leave anytime soon. The Steelers made sure of it, signing Warren to a two-year contract extension, via his agents at Aura Sports Group.

From East High to Snow Community College to Utah State to Oklahoma State to going undrafted @aurasports is proud to represent @Nunless2 and announce his new 2 year extension with @steelers. Congratulations Jaylen
— Aura Sports Group (@aurasportsgroup) September 1, 2025

Steelers Turn to Jaylen Warren

The monetary value of Warren's new contract was not revealed. However, it's clear Pittsburgh wants Warren in its offense. Johnson should still get a sizable piece of the running back pie, seeing as he was a third-round pick. But Warren's new deal puts him in line to open the season as the Steelers' clear top running back.

Warren was originally signed by Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2022. But his draft status didn't affect his standing with the team as he made the 53-man roster and hasn't looked back since. He ran for 379 yards and a touchdown, adding 28 receptions for 214 yards in 2022.

The rookie year pushed the Steelers to give Warren more of a role in 2023. Earning a career-high 149 carries, he set career bests with 784 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Warren caught a whopping 61 passes for 370 yards.

His numbers dipped a bit in 2024: 511 rushing yards and a touchdown alongside 38 grabs for 210 yards. However, Warren was still splitting time with Harris, who earned 263 carries. It's fair to assume plenty of those opportunities will now go to Warren.

The Steelers drafted Johnson for a reason, and he will have a role as a rookie. But by signing Warren to a two-year contract extension, Pittsburgh made it clear how it feels about the running back's potential in the offense.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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