Jaylen Warren: Pittsburgh’s New Leading Man in the Backfield
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era in their offensive backfield. The team officially locked in Jaylen Warren as their lead running back for the upcoming season following his signing of a one-year restricted free agent tender. This move not only solidifies Warren’s role on the team but also marks a notable shift for a franchise long anchored by the power running of Najee Harris, who now dons the powder blue of the Los Angeles Chargers.
For Steelers fans—and especially for those who follow the team closely, like Jarrett Bailey, deputy editor for Behind The Steel Curtain and a Pittsburgh native—this transition represents a fascinating turning point. Bailey, who also covers the NFL for The Sporting News and hosts The Pump Fake Podcast, has often spoken about Pittsburgh’s need to evolve offensively. Warren, in many ways, embodies that shift.
From Undrafted to Undeniable
Jaylen Warren’s rise is one of perseverance and undeniable talent. He arrived in Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, a player overlooked by every team through seven rounds of the NFL Draft. Yet, in just two seasons, Warren forced his way into the Steelers’ offensive game plan with consistent bursts of energy, vision, and effort that turned heads at every opportunity.
Over the course of the 2023 season, Warren became more than just a change-of-pace option behind Harris. He began making a legitimate case to be the team’s primary rusher. His stats spoke for themselves: 784 rushing yards on just 149 carries, good for an impressive 5.3 yards per attempt. Those numbers didn’t just happen in garbage time either—Warren’s runs consistently changed field position, sparked drives, and brought the type of big-play potential Pittsburgh had sorely lacked.
Battling Injury, Still Producing
The 2024 season wasn’t quite as smooth for Warren. A nagging hamstring injury slowed his progress, and Pittsburgh’s offensive line issues didn’t help matters. Still, he managed to turn in a respectable performance. He rushed for 511 yards, averaging over 4 yards per carry, and added 38 receptions out of the backfield. That dual-threat capability—combining agility as a runner with soft hands as a receiver—makes Warren a uniquely versatile weapon in the Steelers’ arsenal.
Even at less than 100%, Warren remained a dependable contributor. He didn’t complain, didn’t back down, and didn’t fade into the background. His ability to keep the offense moving in spite of adversity was a key reason the Steelers offense managed to remain competitive through stretches when other elements weren’t clicking.
The Najee Harris Departure and What It Means
Najee Harris’ move to the Chargers opened the door for Warren’s promotion. Harris, who had been a workhorse since Pittsburgh selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft, leaves behind a mixed legacy. Though durable and powerful, his style often drew criticism for a lack of explosiveness and for failing to adapt to modern backfield demands—especially when it came to receiving out of the backfield or creating plays in space.
Warren, by contrast, offers something fresh. His quick-twitch running style, decisive cuts, and ability to make defenders miss in open space represent the kind of dynamism that teams now covet in lead backs. Where Harris powered through contact, Warren glides past it. It’s not about one being better than the other—it’s about recognizing that Pittsburgh’s offense needed to become more unpredictable, more fluid. And Warren provides that opportunity.
Still a One-Man Show—for Now
While Jaylen Warren is officially the guy in Pittsburgh’s backfield, the depth behind him remains a question mark. The Steelers still need to identify a reliable second-string back to support Warren, especially to handle short-yardage and goal-line duties, or to step in when rest or injury require it.
There’s still time before the start of training camp, and Pittsburgh may explore several avenues—from free agency to late-draft additions to undrafted rookies in camp battles. But the team can take some comfort in the fact that they already know what they have in Warren. He’s not a mystery. He’s not a maybe. He’s already proven himself as a playmaker and a professional.
What to Expect in 2025
Now that Warren has officially signed on for another year, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how he handles the increased workload and expectations. If his previous performances are any indication, there’s plenty of reason for optimism.
The Steelers have traditionally leaned on strong ground games to support their identity as a hard-nosed, physical football team. Warren’s emergence offers a chance to retain that ethos while also expanding the offense’s dimensions. He’s shifty, quick, and elusive—but he also runs with surprising power and always finishes his runs with purpose.
In 2025, we may see Pittsburgh build its run game around Warren’s strengths. That could include more outside zone plays, designed runs into space, and creative screen passes or motion looks that allow him to isolate defenders in one-on-one matchups. He’s not just a stopgap. He’s a potential centerpiece.
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