Jaylen Warren Signs Steelers Contract After Tender in 2025 NFL Free Agency

Jaylen Warren is returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers' backfield.

Warren officially signed his one-year restricted free agent tender on Tuesday, the team confirmed.

The Steelers offered Warren a second-round tender worth $5.346 million on March 10.

The move would have allowed the Steelers to match any offer sheet received by Warren, or receive a second-round pick as compensation should he leave to join another team.

Warren, who joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2022, hit restricted free agency after the 2024 season.

Initially splitting the backfield with Najee Harris last season, Warren saw his usage increase during the Steelers' late-season push to the playoffs.

He finished the regular season ranked behind only Harris for the team lead with 120 carries and 511 rushing yards, while adding 310 receiving yards on 38 catches.

The Steelers decided last summer to decline Harris' fifth-year 2025 option and make the 2024 season his prove-it campaign. Warren's performance was apparently enough to convince the Steelers they could let Harris leave to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.

Warren, who is set to turn 27 in November, is heading into his fourth NFL season. With 48 regular-season appearances and two playoff games under his belt, he could be looking to make his first NFL start this fall.

After finishing 22nd in the NFL in total rushing yards despite playing under a run-first coordinator in Arthur Smith, the Steelers will be looking to improve their run game next fall. With Harris gone, that goal will hinge on a big 2025 season from Warren and potentially an incoming draft selection.