Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren received a two-year contract extension on Monday. Warren was previously playing on a one-year tender that he signed in June.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Warren’s two-year extension pays him over $7 million this year and includes $12 million guaranteed.
“It’s always something you dream about,” Warren said on Monday. “I didn’t know if it was going to come this soon.”
The Steelers signed Warren to an undrafted free agent contract following the 2022 NFL Draft.
Like he did at all three colleges that he played at, Warren bursted on to the scene in 2022 for the Steelers and carved out an important role as the team’s primary backup to Najee Harris.
Despite getting a contract extension, Warren said he”ll continue to have a chip on his shoulder. He knows there’s still plenty of work left to be done.
“If anything, it’s gonna add more chips,” Warren said.
Warren ran for 5.3 yards per carry, one of the best figures in the league in 2023. He ran 149 times for 784 yards and four touchdowns. He was also more involved in the passing game, catching 61 passes for 370 yards compared to 29 receptions for 170 yards for Harris. On a per-touch basis, Warren was more explosive and efficient than Harris.
In 2024, Warren rushed for 511 yards on 120 carries (4.3 average) and one touchdown. He also had 38 receptions for 310 yards (8.2 average).
With Harris now with the Los Angeles Chargers, Warren will be the Steelers’ lead back in 2025. The Steelers also selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“No, I was not concerned like I said, I stay present in my moment and in my lane,” Warren said in regard to the team investing a third-round pick on a running back. “I was glad we drafted Kaleb, you know, he is a baller. The more weapons, the better for the team, and that is how I always move.”
Warren is grateful for the contract, and hopes to see it happen for all his teammates.
“You know I am glad it happened for me, and I hope it happens for everybody on this team,” Warren said.
Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt was happy to see Warren get a pay raise.
“He can get back some of that money for lowering the helmet,” Watt joked in reference to the $48,000 fine Warren was fined by the NFL for illegal use of helmet in a 2023 Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns. “I’m really happy for Jaylen. He deserves every penny that he got.”
Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward also gave Warren a shoutout on his Not Just Football podcast.
“When you hear about Jaylen Warren’s story and to know he was undrafted and went to rookie camp, and when you’re not drafted and you’re going to a rookie camp, you’re facing an uphill battle and to...
