Jaylen Warren Provided Steelers One of NFL’s Best Values in 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was one of the best values in the NFL in 2023.

Warren, the team’s second-year former undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, earned a near-equal share of carries with incumbent starter Najee Harris in 2023. The small but powerful back combined for 1,144 rushing and receiving yards in 2023 — more than double his yards from scrimmage from his rookie year in 2022.

While his production double, Warren’s UDFA contract only stepped up gradually, making him one of the biggest bargains in the league.

Warren was paid $874,000 in 2023, translating to $764 dollars per yard gained. Among NFL running backs this season, that was the fourth-lowest average.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren during a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 16, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams gained 1,350 yards and earned $947,601 for $702 per yard. Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earned $1.166 million and gained 1,539 yards for $757 per yard. Kansas City Chiefs rusher Isiah Pacheco was third, running and receiving for 1,174 yards on $889,777 salary, and finishing just ahead of Warren at $758 per yard.

Jerome Ford of the Cleveland Browns, James Cook of the Buffalo Bills, De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins, Chuba Hubbard of the Carolina Panthers, Brian Robinson Jr. of the Washington Commanders and Tyler Allgeier of the Atlanta Falcons all finished in the top 10, according to research by PennStakes.com

Of course, Warren didn’t even see all that money, as he was repeatedly fined for his violent blocking and running style. He was fined nearly $100,000 over the course of the season. Though a big chunk of that was eventually overturned on appeal, Warren joked that he was basically playing for the love of the game this season.