The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get back into the win column in Week 5 after they took down the Indianapolis Colts 34-22. Improving to 3-2 on the year was great, and running back Jaylen Warren was a major contributor to that.
Through five games, Warren has been Pittsburgh's best offensive player, and with how great he's playing, the Steelers will need to cough up some money to keep him in town. They gave him a two-year, $11.9 million extension back in 2025, but next season is the final year of that contract.
Not only is there one year left on the deal, but he's poised to make $7.1 million in 2027. He is going to want a raise, and based on how productive he has been, the Steelers will need to pay up.
Jaylen Warren is giving the Pittsburgh Steelers more reason to pay up
Thus far into the season, Warren is making plays in both the run and pass game. He's tied for sixth in the NFL in rushing yards (410) and second in yards per carry (5.9), with one rushing score. Meanwhile, as a pass catcher, he leads the team in receptions (19) and receiving yards (230), with another score.
There's no denying how explosive and consistent Warren has been for Mike McCarthy's offense. Aaron Rodgers is constantly looking his way as a quick outlet, and with Rico Dowdle dealing with a toe injury, Warren has taken full grasp of the RB1 role.
The 27-year-old has been a big play weapon for the Steelers, logging four 20-plus-yard runs and three 20-plus-yard receptions in 2026. Leaning on him has yielded positive results for this offense, and the front office shouldn't mess around with Warren.
While we know the Steelers don't negotiate with players during the season, if Warren keeps up this level of production, Pittsburgh will need to give him another extension. He would have earned a pay raise. And when you look at the average salaries at running back in the NFL, he has a point.
In 2026, there are 16 running backs who make at least $10 million per year. As things currently stand, 12 running backs will earn $10 million plus next season, with Warren slated to get $5.1 million per Spotrac. That's less than his teammate Dowdle is projected to get in 2027 ($6 million).
Pittsburgh will need to scratch that old deal and get something new in the works. Warren has been delivering on the field, and getting an extension done that pays him in the range of $10-$12 million is reasonable while also giving Warren what he's earned.
It would be a win-win situation for both sides. Warren would get more money and long-term security, and the Steelers would be able to keep one of their best players around without breaking the bank.
The top 10 paid running backs in the league for 2027 are getting $13 million plus, but when you look at some of those names, Warren isn't in the tier, and that's okay.
Projected 2027 Running Back Contract Average Rankings
Jahmyr Gibbs: $22.5 million
Bijan Robinson: $22.25 million
Jonathan Taylor: $22 million
Saquon Barkley: $20.6 million
Christian McCaffrey: $19 million
Devon Achane: $16 million
Derrick Henry: $15 million
Breece Hall: $14.5 million
Kenneth Walker III: $14.35 million
Jeremiyah Love: $13.2 million
While Warren may be considered to be in this class of tailbacks, that doesn't mean an extension in the lower double digits doesn't make sense for both sides. That will be something that he looks to secure in the coming months, and based on his play, he deserves it. With one year left, the Steelers would be wise to keep him around for the foreseeable future.
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