'Jaylen Warren, Steelers' RB, Agrees to 1-Year Restricted Free Agent Tender'
Jaylen Warren, poised to become the Pittsburgh Steelers' top running back for the first time in the upcoming season, officially agreed to a one-year restricted free agent tender with the team on Tuesday.
The deal, valued at $5.346 million, effectively keeps Warren under the team's control for the 2025 season. If another team were to make an offer to Warren that the Steelers declined to match, that team would have to give up a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday.
At 26 years old, Warren has yet to start in any of the 48 regular-season or two playoff games he has played for Pittsburgh since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
Despite dealing with injuries last season, he managed to record 120 carries for 511 yards and one touchdown, along with 38 receptions for 310 yards in 15 regular-season games. His most successful season so far was in 2023, when he set career highs with 149 carries for 784 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt, and scoring four touchdowns. He also had 61 catches for 370 yards in 17 games.
With former starting running back Najee Harris leaving the Steelers as a free agent and signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, Warren has moved up the depth chart. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who expressed his support for Warren as the starter on Tuesday before the signing was announced, believes in his abilities.
"I have full confidence in his ability to do so," Tomlin said. "He was hindered by injuries in 2024, but he seems ready to bounce back. He's very excited about this opportunity, and I have no doubt that he has the talent to handle this role."
