Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren signed his restricted free agent tender with the Steelers.

Fantasy Impact

Warren returns to Pittsburgh for another season as expected. It will be worth monitoring to see what the Steelers do in the NFL Draft at the running back position later this week.

The Steelers reportedly view Jaylen Warren as a 'starter-capable' player.

Fantasy Impact

Warren had a second-round tender placed on him this offseason. "I do view him as a starter-capable," GM Omar Khan said. "He's played a lot of football for us so obviously we have a lot of confidence. He has a big opportunity this year and we'll see how it goes." Najee Harris signed with the Chargers in free agency, but the Steelers are likely to draft a running back in April. That will be a situation to monitor.

The Steelers placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on RB Jaylen Warren on Monday, per team reports. GM Omar Khan hinted at this move in late February, opting for a 5.2 million dollar salary over the cheaper 3.19 million dollar original-round tender. The higher tag means any team signing Warren would owe Pittsburgh a second-round pick, all but ensuring he stays put for 2025. With Najee Harris set to hit unrestricted free agency, Warren could step into the lead back role if Harris walks.

Fantasy Impact

Warren’s tender locks him into Pittsburgh, and Harris’ potential exit could vault him to RB1 status—boosting his 2024 flex appeal into starter territory. His dual-threat game already shone in a shared backfield; solo duties might push him toward RB2 or better in 2025. The 5.2 million dollar price tag signals confidence, making him a mid-round target with upside. If Harris re-signs, Warren’s still a solid depth piece—watch free agency to set his ceiling.

Steelers GM Omar Khan noted Tuesday that Warren will receive a restricted free-agent tender, effectively keeping him with the team through the 2025 season. The main decision remains whether Pittsburgh opts for a second-round tender (roughly $5.2 million) or an original-round level (about $3.19 million). Since Warren was undrafted in 2022, an original-round tender would offer the Steelers no draft-pick compensation if he signed elsewhere and the team elected not to match the deal. A second-round tender would render that scenario unlikely, as few teams would be willing to forfeit a top-64 pick and pay Warren a hefty contract. The future of fellow back Najee Harris, set for unrestricted free agency, also looms large over Pittsburgh’s backfield.

Fantasy Impact

Warren has carved out a solid role in the Steelers’ offense, splitting work with Harris. His dual-threat upside, particularly in PPR formats, makes him a valuable depth piece and a possible late-round sleeper, should the team entrust him with more touches in 2025. If Harris departs in free agency—or even if his role diminishes—Warren could see an expanded workload. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Pittsburgh’s tender decision, as a second-round tag would solidify the team’s confidence in him and suggest he’ll remain a key part of the backfield.

Jaylen Warren carried the ball six times for 21 yards and failed to corral his lone target in a 19-17 loss to the Bengals in Week 18.

Fantasy Impact

Warren was quiet in the close loss to Cincinnati as Najee Harris led the way with 12 carries and a touchdown. Warren finishes his 2024 season with 511 rushing yards and 38 catches for 310 yards through the air, although he managed to find the end zone just once in 15 games. He will now prepare to face either the Ravens or the Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs.