Pittsburgh Steelers' running back, Jaylen Warren has proven to be more than just a change of pace back for his running mate Najee Harris. In Warren's first two seasons with the team, he's averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 226 attempts. Last season, Warren was second among running backs in YPC who averaged at least 6.25 rushing attempts per game behind only Christian McCaffrey. Warren is as consistent and productive as they come. It will be very exciting to see what he does in 2024 behind the Steelers' revamped offensive line.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jaylen Warren scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
Warren and Harris are both entering the final year of their respective contracts. As of right now, it isn't clear whether the Steelers will retain Warren, Harris or keep the duo together for years to come in Pittsburgh, but we will see both of them play in 2024. It was big news this offseason when the Steelers decided to decline Harris' fifth-year option. While that doesn't completely rule out a future in the Steel City for Harris, it does open a door for the organization to offer Warren an extension and move forward with him as the featured back.
Warren was asked on Thursday after practice if there has been any discussion between him and the team about an extension. He was very blunt in his response and what he's focused on.
"Nah, and to be honest, I'm not really worried about that... You know, I'm worried about winning the Super Bowl."
Warren's commitment to bringing the Steelers their seventh Lombardi Trophy is great to hear and an argument can certainly be made for him to be deserving of a contract extension. He's put up extremely impressive numbers and has done everything he's been asked to do on a contract that pays him less than $1 million per season.
NFL running backs don't have as long of a shelf life as players at other positions, so it's important to them that they lock up a long-term contract with guaranteed money. Steelers fans remember how that unfolded with former running back Le'Veon Bell when he held out of the 2018 season for more money before signing with the New York Jets in 2019. Warren could earn himself a raise and a long-term contract, but it seems that's not where his priorities lie ahead of the 2024 season.
ABC Sports
Steelers' running back Jaylen Warren stiff arms a player from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Warren has always had to prove himself. He started his career at Snow College where he was named NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year, then transferred to Utah State and later Oklahoma State where he ran for 1,216 yards and 11 touchdowns in his senior year. Warren then went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft and made the Steelers' 53-man roster.
The third-year veteran has made the most of every opportunity given to him. Whether that's a chance to earn a Division I scholarship out of junior college, making an NFL roster after going undrafted, or simply putting the ball in his hands, he puts everything he's got into it.
Warren will look to do the same in 2024 with the Steelers' offense that will include the new additions of rookie offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, quarterback Russell Wilson and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. It's too early to tell if this group has what it takes to add to the Steelers' trophy case, but Warren has his eyes set on holding a Lombardi next February.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' six Lombardi Trophies.
Steelers' Warren Will Continue To Do What He Does Best
Warren's priorities are set and Steelers fans are going to love them. As long as Warren keeps his willingness to pass protect and run hard, he'll get paid after the 2024 season... and hopefully after hosting a Lombardi Trophy in black and gold.
Do you think Warren will sign a long-term deal with the Steelers after the 2024 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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