Retained on an RFA tender this spring, Jaylen Warren has received a new commitment from the Steelers. The fourth-year running back received an extension on Monday, per an announcement from his agency. 
This new pact is two years in length, Warren’s agency announced. As a result, he is now under contract through 2027. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds the contract will pay out over $7MM this season and includes $12MM guaranteed. The coming campaign will represent the first year Warren, 26, operates as Pittsburgh’s lead back after Najee Harris departed in free agency. Before the start of the season, the Steelers have made a notable investment.
Warren received the second-round RFA tender just before the start of free agency in a move which prevented him from testing the market. The tender is valued at $5.35MM, a notable step up from his previous earnings in the NFL. Full financial details on this extension have not yet emerged, but the deal is obviously a strong sign Warren will be counted on as Pittsburgh’s RB1 beyond 2025.
The former UDFA flashed potential during his rookie season by averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Warren received 149 carries the following season and averaged 5.1 yards per attempt (a stark contrast to Harris’ efficiency). Pittsburgh declined Harris’ fifth-year option last offseason, an indication 2024 would be his final year with the team. That proved to be the case, with the former first-rounder joining the Chargers in March and the Steelers electing to move forward with Warren atop the depth chart. The Oklahoma State product has never handled a snap share higher than 49% to date, but that is likely to change this year.
Pittsburgh added Kenneth Gainwell in free agency before selecting Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the draft. Those two will handle complementary roles in 2025, with Gainwell being added on a one-year deal. Johnson could take on a larger workload over the course of his rookie contract, but today’s news means Warren will remain in place for most of that time. It will be interesting to see how the backfield workload gets split up over the coming months.
Warren’s ability as a receiver allowed him to amass 1,154 scrimmage yards in 2023. His production took a step back last year, a season in which he missed two games. After scoring just one touchdowns as a rookie and again in 2024, improvement in that capacity will be a target for team and player. Plenty of time remains for Warren to find the end zone with increased regularity though, as he will continue in the team’s offensive plans for the foreseeable future.