Steelers Extend RB Jaylen Warren’s Contract for Two More Years

The Pittsburgh Steelers have solidified their backfield by extending running back Jaylen Warren with a two-year contract that runs through the 2027 season. The announcement was made by his agency, Aura Sports Group, via social media on Monday morning. The deal guarantees $12 million, as confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Warren, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022, quickly made a name for himself during training camp and secured a spot on the Steelers’ roster. As he heads into the 2025 season, Warren is set to take over as the team’s starting running back following the departure of former first-round pick Najee Harris, who was not retained after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option.

The Steelers’ decision to part ways with Harris creates an opportunity for Warren, who will lead a running back group that also features rookie third-round pick Kaleb Johnson and former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell. Over the past three seasons, Warren has established himself as a versatile player known for his speed, pass protection skills, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield.

Warren’s collegiate career spanned multiple institutions, including Snow College, Utah State, and Oklahoma State. In his time with the Steelers, he has averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry and 7 yards per reception. Although injuries limited his performance last season, Warren still managed to achieve 511 rushing yards on 120 attempts and scored one touchdown, alongside 310 receiving yards on 38 catches across 15 regular-season games.

In his rookie season, Warren participated in 31% of the team’s offensive snaps. Over the next two seasons, he and Harris shared the workload more evenly, with Warren taking 49% and 45% of offensive snaps in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the team is banking on Warren’s continued development and his ability to lead the running game into a new era, free from the influence of previous stars. His contract extension marks a significant commitment from the franchise and reflects their confidence in his potential as a starter.