Just days before the start of the 2025 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly handed Jaylen Warren a contract extension. The former undrafted running back made the team as a rookie in 2022 before exploding for a breakout season in 2023 that included over 1,100 scrimmage yards.
In 2024, Warren played through nagging soft tissue injuries. His efficiency as a runner took a step back, and he missed two games in the first half of the season. But it was Warren's 2024 season that made this the perfect time for Omar Khan to hand him an extension.
Warren could have chosen to bet on himself. With a bounce-back year in 2025, he could have been in line for a big payday. Instead, the former UDFA opted for the safe play. Instead, the Steelers and Warren agreed to a two-year extension that will tie him to Pittsburgh through the 2027 season.
Though we don't yet have all the details of the extension, early numbers reported suggest that Warren's total contract value comes in at just under $17.5 million over the next three years. This gives him an estimated prorated contract value of roughly $5.8 million per year. Considering Warren was set to play on a restricted free agent tender of just $5.346 million, his pay increase in yearly value is minimal.
By next year, Warren's contract could look like the steal of the position in the NFL.
This is a similar cap number that Najee Harris is set to have with the Los Angeles Chargers this year. Harris signed a one-year contract worth $5.25 million. Since then, Harris has missed most of the summer with an eye injury sustained in a firework accident, while Warren was inked to a multi-year extension for nearly identical per-year value.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan shows genius with Jaylen Warren contract extension
If you're asking why Jaylen Warren would agree to a deal like this, you're not alone. Warren would have been wise to play the 2025 season and become an unrestricted free agent, where teams could bid for his services. Considering running backs like Rhamondre Stevenson are making $9 million per season—and the fact that the salary cap is going to go up—Warren could have made more if he waited.
This deal has the potential to look like an absolute steal for Pittsburgh in 2026 and 2027. Before even playing on his new deal, Warren's expected average annual earnings put him in the range of players like the Vikings' Jordan Mason and Giants RB Devin Singletary.
Warren is 26 years old without a lot of mileage on the tires. His 346 career rushing attempts are just a fraction of the 1,097 attempts Najee Harris has under his belt entering 2025. Considering Warren's lack of wear and tear, the proficient running back could have his best football in front of him.
Even with the Steelers spending a third-round pick on Kaleb Johnson, Warren is a proven player with plenty to offer this team. If the running backs both end up splitting duties (as expected), Warren will still be worth his affordable contract.
This was essentially a no-risk move from Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers with a potentially high reward.