As the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the offseason, the team is faced with crucial decisions about the future of their offense. The biggest question mark hanging over them is what direction to take with their running back position.
With starting running back Najee Harris yet to enter contract negotiations after the team opted not to exercise his fifth-year option, the Steelers have a limited window of time to decide what their backfield will look like in 2025.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Harris’ future with the team, the Steelers must look for a long-term solution at running back—and that solution is already on their roster in the form of Jaylen Warren. Warren has proven over the last two seasons that he can be the team’s workhorse, and with Harris’ contract situation unresolved, the Steelers should make Warren their starting back for the 2025 season.
Warren’s performance last season was one of the few bright spots for a Steelers offense that struggled for much of 2024. Despite sharing the backfield with Harris, Warren accumulated 511 rushing yards on 120 carries, along with one touchdown. His ability to produce consistently, even in a committee role, showed that he can handle a larger workload moving forward.
Jaylen Warren is primed to be the next multi dimensional Steelers RB
Warren’s versatility in the passing game made him a valuable asset for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, especially during tough times when the Steelers were searching for ways to generate offense.
Age, speed, and determination make him an ideal candidate to be the lead back for the Steelers. At just 26 years old, he still has plenty of treads left on the tires and could continue to develop into an even more dangerous weapon for Pittsburgh.
His blend of quickness, vision, and physicality make him capable of contributing both in the ground game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
The Steelers have the perfect back of the future in Jalen Warren; they must commit to him. The team must trust his ability to handle a more significant role and pay him accordingly. Given his potential and limited time left with Harris, it would be smart for Pittsburgh to make Warren the centerpiece of their backfield and set the stage for a new era of Steelers football.
By doing so, the Steelers can stabilize their running back position for years and build a more dynamic offense around Warren’s strengths.