The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to signal a strong faith in running back Jaylen Warren when they decided to let Najee Harris walk this offseason. Harris, a former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, consistently answered the bell and brought physicality to the backfield, but he never quite lived up to the lofty expectations fans had for him. While Harris carried the workload, it was Warren—an undrafted free agent—who gradually carved out a significant role and proved himself as a dynamic change-of-pace option in the Steelers’ offense.
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Steelers' Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren talk during a game.
Warren’s rise from overlooked prospect to legitimate contributor made him a fan favorite. His explosive runs, strong pass protection, and big-play potential added a spark to Pittsburgh’s backfield. He complemented Harris well, forming a reliable one-two punch that helped the Steelers stay competitive in tough matchups. With Harris no longer on the roster, many assumed Warren would naturally slide into the lead role and become the focal point of the ground game heading into 2025.
However, not everyone inside the organization may share that same confidence. According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, the team might not fully trust Warren to handle the responsibilities of a true feature back. In his weekly chat on Wednesday, Dulac hinted that there are lingering doubts about Warren's ability to carry the full load week in and week out. While Warren has proven himself as a strong contributor, the Steelers’ hesitation suggests they could be eyeing additional help—or at least a more even timeshare—than fans might expect.
"I'm not sure they view Warren as No. 1 or 1A," Dulac said. "That will depend who they will draft. I will tell you this -- RB is right behind DL in the way they will approach the draft."
Dulac also made a very telling comment that raised eyebrows across Steeler Nation. When asked about team needs, he noted that defensive line is the top priority—but followed that up by saying running back is second. That’s significant, especially considering he began his response by admitting he’s not sure how highly the team truly regards Warren as a feature back. Coming from someone as plugged-in as Dulac, it’s enough to suggest that running back could be a higher pick in the 2025 NFL Draft than many fans have anticipated.
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Steelers' Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren working on a drill together at practice.
While Warren has proven to be an excellent complement to a power runner like Harris, the big question now is whether he can maintain that same level of efficiency with a larger workload. It’s a pattern we’ve seen often in the NFL—an explosive RB2 gets promoted to lead back and sees a dip in production. The wear and tear of a full season as the primary option isn’t something every back can handle, especially when defenses begin to game-plan specifically to stop them.
That’s why the Steelers appear to be leaving the door open to adding another back, likely through the draft. Whether it's to split carries, provide insurance, or eventually take over the role, Pittsburgh seems focused on building a strong and balanced backfield. Warren has earned the right to get the first shot—but judging by Dulac’s comments, the front office may not be fully convinced he’s the long-term answer just yet.
Steelers Looking To Find Star Running Back In 2025 NFL Draft
If the Steelers do target a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft, it wouldn’t be an indictment of Warren’s talent—it would be a reflection of the team’s commitment to building depth and stability at a physically demanding position. The NFL has become increasingly reliant on multiple backs who can share the load, stay fresh, and offer different skill sets. Even if Warren remains the starter, Pittsburgh clearly wants to ensure they’re protected against potential drop-offs in performance or injury setbacks.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren stiff-arms a Ravens defender on a run.
Ultimately, Warren’s performance this season will go a long way in determining the team’s direction. If he thrives in a lead role, he could cement himself as the future of the Steelers' backfield. But if his production stalls, the front office appears ready to pivot. Either way, the message is clear—Pittsburgh isn’t leaving anything to chance, and the running back conversation is far from over.
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