Steelers Jaylen Warren among Top RB Bargains

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was one of the best values in terms of production for his salary in 2022.

In a Bet Pennsylvania study, Warren finished as the 10th-best running back in the NFL in terms of dollars per yard last season.

Warren had a $709,000 salary cap hit in 2022 after signing with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State. In his rookie season, Warren came out of nowhere to establish himself as Najee Harris’ backup. He finished the season with 593 all-purpose yards, 379 on the ground and 214 through the air.

That meant the Steelers paid Warren $1,196 for every yard he gained, the 10th-best figure in the league.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was the best at $693 per yard ($1.012 million cap hit, 1,461 yards), followed by Isiah Pacheco, Tony Pollard, Dameon Pierce, Tyler Allgeier, Khalil Herbert, Brian Robinson Jr., Zonovan Knight, Latavius Murray and Warren.

The Steelers could be in line to get another big-bargain season out of Warren in 2023. He will count for just $870,000 against the team’s salary cap this coming season, and is once again poised to take on a major roll as Harris’ backup and change of pace running back.

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Unfortunately for Warren, undrafted players are not eligible for the NFL’s proven performance escalator program, so he will be stuck with the rookie contract he agreed to until the end of the 2024 season, when he will become a restricted free agent.