Jaylen Warren shouldn't be here. Honestly, the script for an undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State doesn't usually end with a multi-year contract extension and the keys to a historic franchise's rushing attack. But as we look at the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, it’s clear the "change of pace" label is officially dead. Warren isn't just a spark plug anymore. He’s the engine.
If you watched the Steelers this year, you saw a team that finally stopped trying to force a square peg into a round hole. After letting Najee Harris walk in free agency, Pittsburgh leaned into the Warren era. The result? A career-high 958 rushing yards and a dual-threat capability that kept defensive coordinators awake until 3:00 AM.
The most impressive part isn't even the yardage. It’s the violence. At 5’8” and 215 pounds, Warren runs like he’s trying to break the stadium. He’s basically a bowling ball made of muscle.
The 2025 Season: Numbers That Don't Lie
People kept waiting for Warren to crumble under the weight of a lead-back workload. It didn't happen. In fact, his efficiency stayed remarkably high even as his touches climbed. He finished the regular season with 211 carries, averaging a healthy 4.5 yards per attempt.
Think about that for a second. Most backs see their average plummet when they move from 10 carries a game to 15 or 18. Warren just got stronger. He found the end zone six times on the ground and twice through the air.
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Key Performance Splits
- The Lions Game (Week 16): 143 rushing yards on just 14 carries. A massive 10.2 average.
- The Bengals Rivalry (Week 7): 127 rushing yards, proving he could handle the physicality of the AFC North.
- Reliability: Only one fumble lost all season despite the increased usage.
He also stayed relevant in the passing game with 40 receptions for 333 yards. In Arthur Smith’s system, which loves to stretch defenses horizontally before hitting them in the mouth, Warren’s ability to catch a swing pass and turn it into a 15-yard gain was vital. He wasn't just a "safety valve" for the QB; he was a primary read.
Why the Steelers Doubled Down (Literally)
There was a lot of chatter in the 2025 offseason about whether Pittsburgh would draft a high-profile replacement for Harris. Instead, they rewarded Warren. The front office handed him a two-year extension that keeps him in the black and gold through 2027.
It was a smart business move. Warren's cap hit for 2025 sat at about $3.08 million, which is a steal for a guy producing nearly 1,300 yards from scrimmage. By the time 2026 rolls around, his base salary jumps to $5.05 million, but he’s earned every penny of it.
The team did bring in Kenneth Gainwell and drafted Kaleb Johnson to provide depth, but the hierarchy was never in doubt. Warren played and started 16 games. He showed the durability that many scouts doubted he had during his draft cycle.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Warren's Style
The biggest misconception is that Warren is just a "scat-back." You’ve probably heard it on podcasts—that he’s better in space and can’t handle the dirty work between the tackles.
That's total nonsense.
If you look at the advanced data from PFF, Warren actually excelled in "yards after contact." He averaged 3.09 yards after contact per attempt. That means he isn't just dancing around people; he’s running through them. He forced 53 missed tackles this season. He’s a north-south runner trapped in a short guy's body.
The Arthur Smith Effect
Arthur Smith’s arrival in Pittsburgh was the best thing to ever happen to Jaylen Warren. Smith’s heavy use of outside zone and "duo" concepts played perfectly into Warren’s vision.
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While Najee Harris often struggled with the lateral movement required for outside zone, Warren thrives on it. He has that "one-cut-and-go" mentality. He doesn't waste time dancing in the backfield. He sees the crease, plants his foot, and explodes.
The Playoff Reality
The season didn't end the way Pittsburgh wanted, with a 30-6 loss to the Texans in the Wild Card round. Warren was held to 43 yards on 12 carries. It was a tough night, but it also highlighted how much the offense relies on him. When the Texans took Warren away, the rest of the Steelers' attack sort of fell apart.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for #30?
Jaylen Warren has gone from an undrafted underdog to the undisputed RB1 in Pittsburgh. For fans and fantasy managers, the path forward is pretty clear. He’s going to continue to be a high-volume asset who contributes in both phases of the game.
If you’re tracking his value, keep an eye on these three areas for next season:
- Red Zone Usage: Warren had 6 rushing TDs this year, but with his power, that number could easily hit double digits if the Steelers' offensive line takes another step forward.
- Pass Protection: One reason he stays on the field is his pass blocking. He’s one of the best in the league at picking up blitzing linebackers.
- Consistency: He had a few "dud" games where he was held under 3 yards per carry. Finding a way to grind out 4 yards when the blocking isn't perfect is the final step in his evolution.
Warren is the heart of this offense. He’s under contract, he’s healthy, and he’s proven the doubters wrong at every single level of football.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the Steelers' 2026 draft strategy. If they avoid taking a running back in the first three rounds again, it’s a massive vote of confidence that Warren is their long-term bellcow. For fantasy players, Warren remains a locked-in RB2 with RB1 upside in PPR formats due to his high floor in the receiving game. Watch the Week 1 injury reports next season to ensure his hip and ankle issues from late 2025 are fully behind him before setting your lineups.