The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their fair share of contract disputes throughout the 2025 offseason. The main one was a hold-in from TJ Watt which ended before the start of training camp as the two sides agreed on a deal. While the team was in Latrobe, PA, it came out that Cam Heyward wanted a raise on his 2025 salary after being an All-Pro in 2024, and Chris Boswell also wanted his deal to reflect his status as one of the best kickers in the entire league. Neither of those issues have been resolved, but Pittsburgh did get an extension done on Monday.
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Steelers running back Jaylen Warren during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers agreed to a two-year extension with running back Jaylen Warren on Monday, which will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season. This is a huge accomplishment for the former undrafted free agent, as he was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season. He has had a good first three seasons of his career, and he will look to improve on that as he enters his first season as the lead back for the Steelers.
From East High to Snow Community College to Utah State to Oklahoma State to going undrafted @aurasports is proud to represent @Nunless2 and announce his new 2 year extension with @steelers. Congratulations Jaylen
— Aura Sports Group (@aurasportsgroup) September 1, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Warren will be paid over $7 million in 2025, and the deal includes $12 million guaranteed in total. Warren has been a good back, but is nowhere near the league's elite at the position. He is one of the better backs in pass protection, and he can do it all in the run and pass game with the ball in his hands. He deserved a new deal, and the fan base should be happy to have him through 2027.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson stand side by side one another during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
This was an extension that not many saw coming. Pittsburgh just signed Kenneth Gainwell during the 2025 offseason and drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The franchise now doesn't have to invest in the running back position until after the 2027 season, as Johnson will be in town through at least 2028, Warren through 2027, while Gainwell signed a one-year deal.
Warren might not be the kind of running back that is putting up 1,000-yard seasons, and that probably won't happen in 2025 either as he will likely miss out on some carries due to the talent in the backfield, but he does all the little things right. He is one of the best backs in the league when it comes to pass protection as mentioned, and he has reliable hands out of the backfield. He can make big plays happen when healthy, which is something Pittsburgh is going to need in 2025.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren Needs To Clean Up Some Areas Of His Game
While this new extension is not going to break the bank for Pittsburgh, the fan base is going to want to see improvement from the back. This means less fumbles, and more production. In his career, Warren has put the ball on the ground seven times, which is completely unacceptable as a player who has not been the lead back for the last three seasons. That fumble rate cannot continue moving forward, and it is concerning due to the fact that the back played in one preseason game and he put the ball on the ground on his first touch.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Running back Jaylen Warren scores a touchdown for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Los Angeles Rams.
If Warren can improve in some areas while getting better play from Pittsburgh's offensive line, this deal could end up being a great idea for the Steelers. Especially if Johnson can turn into a special player.
What do you think about a new extension for Warren? Are you happy with the deal? Let us know in the comments below!
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