Steelers Definitely Planning For Jaylen Warren Extension: "Contract Is Coming Down The Road"

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have the best running back duo in the NFL for the 2024 season. If both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are able to stay healthy, a new run-heavy offense under Arthur Smith could lead to the two putting up massive numbers. The big men up front blocking for them should have some new faces after the front office revamped the room once again, and both ball-carriers are capable of bull-dozing opposing defenders. It could be the last season the two share the same jersey, especially after Harris had his fifth-year option for 2025 declined by the franchise.

Many believe that Warren is the future at the position regardless. The undrafted player out of Oklahoma State has been incredible since making the roster following a fantastic 2022 training camp. Heading into his third season, he may have the opportunity to make everyone in the Steel City forget that Harris was a first-round pick back in 2021.

In fact, some are starting to speculate that Warren could be next in line for a contract extension in the running back room. If Harris doesn't ink a fresh deal prior to the 2024 campaign, the writing may be on the wall when it comes to his future with the Steelers. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was asked in his weekly fan chat on Tuesday about either Harris or Warren getting a new contract prior to the regular season. He didn't comment on Harris, but made a clear statement about Warren.

"Unlikely this summer, but a Warren contract is coming down the road if he continues to play at the level he has for the past two seasons," Fittipaldo wrote.

Warren will be a restricted free agent in the 2025 offseason and if he stays healthy while continuing to get better, he is expected to get a new deal to hang around in Pittsburgh for a bit longer. This could be the overall plan for the franchise when it comes to the position. Warren would likely come a lot cheaper than Harris would given the separate situations.

Both players should see tons of snaps in 2024, but it will be intriguing to see if Warren starts to take over as the true starter towards the end of the season. He is not an easy guy to tackle by any means and has consistently proven that he is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. That's not to say Harris hasn't, but after three full seasons of serious wear and tear on his body, it might be wise to move on.

A contract extension for Warren would probably be less than the average in regards to what starting ball-carriers are asking for in new deals nowadays. The position has a high turnover rate, but as an undrafted free agent making less than $1 million per year, Warren would jump at the opportunity to get long-term security in the Steelers' running back room.

Steelers' Rushing Attack In 2024 Could Be Lethal

Regardless of the future uncertainty surrounding the position, Pittsburgh could potentially have two 1,000-yard rushers if the line stays healthy and Smith's offense works like it did during his time with the Tennessee Titans. Harris could prove that the team made a mistake by declining his fifth-year option, but Warren could also step in and show why the organization was right to do so. The duo could truly be the NFL's most dominant in 2024.

Do you think the Steelers will let Harris walk and give Warren an extension in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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