The Pittsburgh Steelers took running back, Najee Harris 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft with the plan of him becoming the next young star on offense. Harris did well in his rookie year, but his heavy usage was a concern for the Steelers as they didn’t want to take their newest lead back and run him into the ground. The Steelers knew they needed a good secondary back to help lighten the load for Harris, but they never anticipated it coming from an undrafted free agent in Jaylen Warren.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game against the Cleveland Browns on Thurs., Sept. 22 at Cleveland, OH. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Warren Selected Steelers Over Others
Steelers fans are very happy to have Warren on the roster, but there was a chance we may not have seen him in the black and gold. Instead, Warren could be wearing the green and gold of the Green Bay Packers as they too had an interest in the former Oklahoma State product. Warren would later state that the primary reason why he ended up signing with the Steelers over the Packers was because of money. This is more interesting when you consider the following factors.
First, the Steelers already had three running backs returning to the team in the 2022 off-season. Aside from Harris, Pittsburgh still had Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland under contract and each of them was entering camp with the mindset that they would be the backup to Harris. While there was already competition for Warren with just those two returners, there was also competition coming from the outside.
Another undrafted rookie free agent running back named Mataeo Durant signed with the Steelers before Warren did. The Durant signing was for $15,000, the biggest contract an undrafted rookie free agent running back has ever received in Steelers history. Even though Durant had the higher signing bonus, he didn’t make it past training camp and the Steelers released him at the end of August. Warren’s hard work, determination, and perseverance allowed him to make the final roster as the team’s third string running back.
Warren Reflects On Rookie Campaign
Photo credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation.com (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Warren may have begun the 2022 season behind Snell, but it became evident to the Steelers coaching staff that Warren should have more involvement in the offense. It started with subbing Warren in for various plays on third down, as well as other short yardage situations. Being able to consistently come through when called upon led to the Steelers elevating him to second string duties.
From his minimal usage as a third string back, to becoming the clear-cut number two running back, Warren managed to put together a solid rookie year. He amassed just under 600 total offensive yards (379 on the ground and 214 through the air), while having his first professional rushing touchdown of his career. His individual stats are good, but Warren is looking at the grander scheme of things:
“To be honest, people have been telling me how great of a rookie year I had, but I don’t look at it [that way],” Warren said. “Partially, I don’t feel like I did anything. I just feel like I did my part for us. But the main goal is to win.”
The Steelers may not have won as much as Warren or any Steelers fans would’ve liked, finishing 9-8 overall, but Warren is still happy for many things that happened this year:
“It was crazy,” Warren said of his 2022. “I came in [to Pittsburgh], my goal was just to make the 53-man [roster]. I didn’t plan on being like a huge contributor to the team, I just planned on playing my role. The way it panned out; I am not complaining at all. It was fun playing with these boys. I hope they keep me in the future.”
If Warren continues to play at that same level in 2023 and beyond, you can bet that the Steelers will be keeping him around a very long time.
How do you feel about Jaylen Warren? Leave a comment down below with your thoughts.
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