Steelers RB Jaylen Warren Among Top NFL Value Performers — For Now
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been one of the NFL’s best values at his position, something that could change in 2025, as Warren and the team have yet to agree on a new contract.
Since joining the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2022, Warren has been playing under his relatively inexpensive UDFA contract, and providing the Steelers tremendous value.
In 2024, Warren had 511 rushing yards, the second-highest total of his career. When compared to his salary, that made him the seventh-best bargain among NFL running backs last season.
Warren earned $1,205 dollars per rushing yard last season. According to a study by BetOhio, Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the biggest bargain at $646 per yard, followed by Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams ($717), Chase Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals ($731), Tyrone Tracy of the New York Giants ($772), De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins ($824) and Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs ($908).
Warren ran at a steep discount to the Steelers’ other running backs last season. Najee Harris earned $2.44 million and rushed for 1,043 yards, or $2,339 per rushing yard. Cordarrelle Patterson earned $2.25 million and rushed for 135 yards or $16,667 per rushing yards.
A restricted free agent, Warren does not yet have a contract for the 2025 season. The Steelers tendered him a contract offer, a one-year deal worth $5.346 million, in order to retain his rights. Warren can either sign that tender or him and the team can work out a longer-term contract extension.
With Harris departing in free agency, Warren is expected to take over the bulk of the workload in the Steelers backfield in 2025.