Steelers RB Jaylen Warren signs two-year contract extension

On Monday, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren signed a two-year contract extension with the team, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He was entering the final year of his contract.

This season is Warren’s fourth in the NFL. Warren signed with the Steelers as undrafted free agent in 2022. He finished his debut campaign for the team with 379 rushing yards and a touchdown on 77 carries.

Warren also proved to be a threat in the receiving game. He tallied 28 catches for 214 yards in his rookie year. In turn, the Steelers gave Warren a larger role in the offense the following season.

In the 2023 campaign, Warren amassed 784 rushing yards, 370 receiving yards and four total touchdowns. Warren followed up the career year with a 821 all-purpose yards and a touchdown last season.

Warren had a slow start to the 2024 season after suffering a hamstring injury in the preseason. Alas, he showed off his resilience and ultimately was a reliable option for the Steelers once again.

Now, Warren will look to step into an even larger role for the Steelers this season. He is the team’s official RB1 this year after former Steelers running back Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.

Warren is set to make $5.3 million in the 2025 season. In June, Warren revealed how being the team’s No. 1 backfield option has changed his approach.

“I approached this offseason differently,” Warren said. “I did a lot more things for longevity wise, instead of my old-school training like just getting the cleats on and running 30 hills. I had to adapt. This game is about longevity. And like they say, the best ability is availability.”

Warren certainly can’t afford to rest on his laurels. In April, the Steelers selected former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the No. 83 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Matt Miller believes Johnson could outplay Warren this season.

“Jaylen Warren is listed as the starting running back in Pittsburgh, but how long does that last?” Miller wrote. “Johnson, a third-round pick, is the type of downhill power runner the Steelers love. At 224 pounds, he packs a punch with runaway speed to boot.

“Warren’s experience gives him an edge — especially in pass protection — but Johnson is too talented to keep on the bench for long. He should be the team’s future at the position.”