Steelers Sign Key Player To Contract Extension Before Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers fortified their backfield beyond 2025 as they prepare to begin the new season.

Jaylen Warren’s agency, Aura Sports Group, announced Monday that the running back signed a two-year extension with the Steelers. The 26-year-old was slated to enter his final season under contract.

“Beyond thrilled and proud of our client on this hard earned new two-year extension,” Warren’s agent, David Canter, wrote on social media. “Congratulations Jaylen Warren.”

Warren has spent three seasons with the Steelers since signing as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State. He’s averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 2.1 yards after contact through 48 games.

Assuming a larger role in 2023, Warren registered 1,154 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in a backfield tandem with Najee Harris. He settled for 510 rushing and 310 receiving yards last season, with his average touches dipping from 12.4 to 10.5 per game.

Although bothered by hamstring and knee injuries during the season, Warren played more than half of the offense’s snaps in six of Pittsburgh’s final eight games. That includes a first-round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens in which he tallied 25 yards.

Warren is poised to receive more responsibility after Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 5-foot-8 runner could serve as Mike Tomlin’s featured back alongside third-round pick Kaleb Johnson.

Steelers running backs often handle heavy workloads, but Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora noted that Warren is the first to receive a contract extension since Willie Parker in 2006.

Pittsburgh begins the 2025 regular season this Sunday against the New York Jets at 1 p.m. ET.

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