Though there is good value in a deep running back class in this year's NFL draft, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he believes Jaylen Warren can be the team's top running back after the departure of 2021 first-rounder Najee Harris in free agency to the Los Angeles Chargers. "I certainly feel comfortable with his ability to do so," Tomlin said of Warren. "He got hampered by injury some in 2024. He appears to be ready to answer that. I know he's really excited about his opportunity. I don't think myself or anyone within the organization question his talents in regards to managing the ability to manage potentially that role." The 26-year-old signed his one-year, $5.35 million restricted free-agent tender on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean the two sides won't work out a long-term extension. Warren's 2025 fantasy value will depend on whether the Steelers add a RB in this week's NFL draft.
Apr 22, 2025 11:47 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has signed a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the organization on Tuesday. Warren signed as a restricted free agent as he enters his final year before free agency. Warren figures to be the lead back for the first time in his professional career this upcoming season. Najee Harris has departed via free agency, which opens a door for Warren to be the No. 1 back in this offense. It's possibly that the Steelers do draft a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. Nonetheless, Warren should get the first chance to be the lead back in 2025. Last season, Warren finished with 511 rushing yards and 310 receiving yards in 15 games as the primary backup in Pittsburgh. The assumption is that his fantasy value is going to rise with a move to the lead back spot.
Apr 22, 2025 8:28 PM EST
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed the second-round restricted tender on restricted free-agent running back Jaylen Warren on Monday, according to his agents. The tender is worth $5.346 million. Although technically not official yet, placing the second-round tender pretty much guarantees that the 26-year-old will be back in Pittsburgh in 2025. Fellow backfield mate Najee Harris is an unrestricted free agent this week and has a good chance of not returning, which would make Warren much more attractive in fantasy next season, depending on what other moves the Steelers make at the position in free agency or the draft. Any team that wants to sign Warren now would have to offer up second-round draft compensation. Although Harris had another 1,000-yard season in 2024, Warren has looked better than him at times the last two years and has averaged a healthy 4.8 yards per carry in his three NFL seasons.
Mar 10, 2025 12:06 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan said on Tuesday at the NFL Combine that the team will tender an offer to impending restricted free-agent running back Jaylen Warren. The second-round tender will be worth $5.2 million, while an original-round tender for Warren would be for $3.19 million. If the Steelers give him the original-round tender and he signs with another team, they wouldn't receive draft-pick compensation because he wasn't drafted in 2022. Meanwhile, Najee Harris will be an unrestricted free agent after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option. The 26-year-old Warren's fantasy value in 2025 will all depend on if he stays in Pittsburgh and also whether Harris is re-signed. Warren looked ready to break out after going for 784 rushing yards in 2023, but he took a step back in 2024 with 120 carries, 511 yards and just one rushing score in 15 regular-season games.
Feb 25, 2025 10:38 PM EST
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to tender an offer to impending restricted free-agent running back Jaylen Warren this offseason, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac. Dulac also goes on to say that he thinks there's a strong chance the Steelers will re-sign fellow RB Najee Harris despite the fact that the team didn't pick up the former first-rounder's fifth-year option. Warren, a former undrafted free agent, has played more of a secondary role to Harris in his first three years in the NFL, but he's been extremely productive with his limited opportunities, averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 346 rushing attempts for 1,674 rushing yards in 48 games. Placing a tender on Warren would give the Steelers a backup option in case the don't end up bringing Harris back. If Warren returns to Pittsburgh and Harris does not, Warren could be the team's lead back in 2025.
Feb 7, 2025 12:30 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren totaled just six rushing yards on two carries and posted four receptions for 19 receiving yards in a 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Both Warren and backfield mate Najee Harris were completely shut down by the Ravens' run defense but managed to contribute in the passing game. While Harris out-gained Warren through the air, the latter's five targets tied wideout George Pickens for the team lead. Warren, a restricted free agent this offseason, is likely to be retained by Pittsburgh and could be given RB1 duties in the 2025-2026 campaign with Harris now entering unrestricted free agency.
Jan 12, 2025 12:28 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren closed the regular season with a quiet performance and will look to get more involved against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Warren played well against Baltimore in 2024, averaging 80 total yards and 4.5 receptions over two meetings with his AFC North foe. While it has been difficult to project Warren's utilization on a weekly basis, he should get plenty of opportunities on Saturday. The Ravens are heavy favorites at home, meaning Pittsburgh may be forced to shy away from the run and push the ball downfield. Najee Harris is a capable pass-catcher, but Warren has been the more prolific receiver over the past two seasons. Because of this, the 26-year-old offers some upside in PPR fantasy contests this weekend.
Jan 9, 2025 10:49 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren logged six carries for 21 yards and failed to haul in his one target in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Although neither Warren nor Najee Harris were able to get much going on the ground, the former's lack of usage through the air on Saturday night was a bit puzzling. Harris earned five targets while Warren was held without a reception for the first time this season. His utilization has been inconsistent, but Warren continues to look like the most explosive back in Pittsburgh while demonstrating an ability to break tackles at a high level. The third-year pro will carry some RB2 value in PPR playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests alike when the wild-card round kicks off next weekend.
Jan 5, 2025 1:50 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) is no longer on the injury report and will suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals for the regular season finale. He logged full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, showing encouraging signs of his availability on Saturday as the Steelers host the Bengals in Week 18. The Steelers are currently on a three-game losing streak and will look to eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention with a win on Saturday. Over the past two games, Warren has accumulated 204 all-purpose years and is one of the more explosive players on this Steelers offense. Fantasy managers can deploy Warren as a low-end RB2/flex play in a plus matchup as he comes in as RB16 in the latest RotoBaller running back rankings.
Jan 3, 2025 10:43 AM EST
According to the team, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) upgraded to full participation during Wednesday's practice session. This is a great sign, as Warren was listed as limited participation during Tuesday's initial session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Thursday in case he faces a setback. Over the past two weeks, Warren has logged more offensive snaps than the presumed No.1 option in the backfield, Najee Harris. Warren has averaged 11.5 attempts and 5.5 targets per game during this two-game stretch. If Warren is off the injury report on Thursday, he should be viewed as a solid RB2 in PPR formats facing the Cincinnati Bengals, given his elite receiving ability.
Jan 1, 2025 4:40 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) was limited on Tuesday due to a rib injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week in case he remains limited during practice. During their Week 17 tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs, Warren logged 11 attempts and brought in five passes for 112 total yards. This was his second straight game, logging at least double-digit rushing attempts. In addition, Warren saw more offensive snaps than Najee Harris for the second straight contest as well. Before this two-game stretch, Warren averaged 8.6 attempts per game since Week 6, while Harris dominated the snaps. Going forward, fantasy managers should expect Warren to have a slightly higher ceiling than Harris, especially in PPR formats, given his elite pass-catching abilities.
Dec 31, 2024 6:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned 11 carries into 71 yards and six targets into five catches and 41 receiving yards in a Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Warren was one of the few bright spots for the Steelers' offensive attack on Wednesday and consistently looked explosive with the ball in his hands. He saw more opportunities than backfield mate Najee Harris, who was ineffective for most of the contest. Warren's solid performance early in the first quarter earned him a few opportunities in the red zone, one of which he took in for an eight-yard score that was unfortunately nullified by a holding penalty. The 26-year-old has logged at least 92 total yards in each of his past two games and will look to end the campaign on a hot streak against the Cincinnati Bengals next week.
Dec 25, 2024 10:39 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was an effective option in the 34-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, during which he compiled 92 total yards and caught a season-high five passes. The third-year back ran for a team-high 48 yards on 12 carries, but was more efficient as a pass catcher, catching all five of his targets for 44 yards. Warren tied for the team lead in targets on a day in which Pittsburgh played without its top receiver, George Pickens (hamstring). He'll face a tough matchup as a runner against Kansas City on Christmas Day, but could have some receiving value, especially if Pickens misses more time.
Dec 22, 2024 8:09 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was quiet in last week's loss but will look to get back on track in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Although the Ravens have been stout against the run this season, they surrender plenty of catches and receiving yards to the running back position. When Warren last faced Baltimore in Week 11, he hauled in all four of his targets and posted 68 total yards. With George Pickens (hamstring) already ruled out for Saturday's contest, expect the Steelers to lean on the running game and get Warren involved as a pass-catcher, especially if Pittsburgh falls behind on the scoreboard. Fantasy managers can consider Warren as a flex option in half-and-full-PPR leagues this week.
Dec 20, 2024 12:00 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned four carries into 12 yards and two targets into one catch for three yards in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Pittsburgh was never able to establish the run in this one and could not sustain drives, especially in the second half. Warren has just one top-20 fantasy showing this season and continues to serve as a change-of-pace back with Najee Harris operating ahead of him. He is only worth rostering in deeper formats and should not be considered in starting lineups heading into a Week 16 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens.
Dec 15, 2024 10:22 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has gained at least 60 total yards in five straight contests and should continue to serve as a complement to Najee Harris against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Warren's utilization has been somewhat inconsistent as of late but he has been effective when given opportunities. Although the Eagles are stingy against the run, Philadelphia gives up plenty of receptions to opposing backs. With George Pickens (hamstring) inactive in Week 14, Warren led all Steelers with five targets. Pickens has already been ruled out this week, once again opening the door for Warren to contribute through the air. He is not a recommended starting option in standard redraft formats but Warren can be deployed as an RB3 with flex appeal in PPR leagues.
Dec 14, 2024 1:19 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned nine carries into 47 yards and two receptions into 25 yards in a Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Although he only managed to catch two passes, Warren saw a season-high five targets on Sunday while backfield mate Najee Harris was not utilized in the passing game. Warren's role as a complementary back has been relatively steady as of late, giving him a floor for fantasy purposes in PPR formats. However, he has just one touchdown on the season as Harris has been the preferred option near the goal line. While his matchup next week against the Philadelphia Eagles is a difficult one, it should be noted that the Eagles have allowed a fair amount of production through the air to running backs, giving Warren some flex appeal.
Dec 8, 2024 6:46 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had his most prolific showing of the season against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 and will hope to find similar success in a second meeting with his division rival on Sunday. Warren was outshined by Najee Harris last week but still managed to contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield with 55 receiving yards. Although his opportunities on the ground have not been consistent, he has earned four targets in three straight games. Because of this, he can be started as a flex option in PPR formats, but can't be trusted in standard leagues against a difficult Browns run defense.
Dec 6, 2024 10:37 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned three carries into nine yards and gained 55 yards on four receptions in a Week 13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Warren, who out-snapped and outproduced Najee Harris last week, took a backseat on Sunday but still was effective as a weapon in the passing game. He has looked explosive when given opportunities, but with Cordarelle Patterson mixing in for six touches this week, it's difficult to predict what Pittsburgh's backfield rotation will look like moving forward. Warren is worth rostering in most formats but should only be viewed as a flex option in PPR leagues next week against the Cleveland Browns.
Dec 1, 2024 5:54 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had his best showing of the season in Week 12 and will carry some positive momentum into Sunday's meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been difficult to run on in 2024, allowing the 12th-fewest rushing yards to opposing backs. This contest is projected to be close and have a fair amount of points scored, however, so Warren should be utilized throughout as a weapon both on the ground and through the air. With Najee Harris still getting the bulk of the carries, Warren can't be confidently started as a top-24 option, but the 26-year-old offers some upside as a flex play this week.
Nov 30, 2024 2:00 AM EST
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