Steelers' Jaylen Warren Gets Bold Claim From NFL Reporter That Could Shake Up AFC North

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has begun to figure out its identity with the help of running back Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh has been winning games by playing tight defense and running the football, which has resulted in a career year for Warren. The offensive line is playing like one of the best in football, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is taking care of the rock, and Warren is shredding through opposing defenses. While Steelers fans have praised Warren throughout the 2026 season, the rest of the NFL's viewers might not truly appreciate how well he has played this season. 

Warren is averaging 6.93 yards per touch, which leads the entire NFL by over a full yard. So far this year, his yards-per-touch mark ranks second all-time for a single season, only behind Marshall Faulk's 1999 season. Other names on this list include Jim Brown, Roger Craig, and Barry Sanders. These are all gold-jacket-level players, and Warren sits among them in 2026.

While Warren has been setting the league on fire, he still seemingly has not gained the media attention he deserves. The fact that he is 27, in his fifth season, and just now taking control of the backfield could be the reason for this, but that just makes it that much more impressive. Another factor to note is that Pittsburgh signed Warren as an undrafted free agent, which speaks volumes about the effort he has put into his career.

Without Warren, there is very little chance that the Steelers would be 6-2 and currently leading the AFC North. The team's ground game has been extremely efficient and even running back Rico Dowdle is beginning to hit his stride and provide solid play. Warren and the rest of the rushing attack could propel this team to the playoffs and possibly even a top seed in the AFC.

During a recent episode of the Up & Adams Show, host Kay Adams spoke about the season Warren is having and how his presence could be the key that puts Pittsburgh above the other teams in the division.

"Jaylen Warren is the second-best running back in football right now. That is news and we are underreacting to it," Adams said. "He is making the Steelers a more complete team than anyone else in the division, and maybe in the entire AFC. You look at the Bengals with the 30th-ranked run game and say, 'What are they going to do in the playoffs?' This is a playoff football team because of Jaylen Warren."

It cannot be stressed enough how historic a season Warren is having. He is looking like one of the best offensive players in the NFL, and should be recognized as such.

Warren ranks 11th in the NFL in carries while ranking second in scrimmage yards, only behind Jahmyr Gibbs. This metric is wild considering there are almost a dozen running backs ahead of Warren in carries, but he has still outproduced the majority of them. While Warren's workload might not be what Steelers fans want, it is important to note that Pittsburgh will need him healthy come playoff time. If he can continue helping the team win games while Dowdle spells him to preserve his health, it will be a win-win situation.

Steelers' Offensive Line Has Contributed To Warren's Success

Pittsburgh's offensive line looked like it would be a weakness for the team through the first couple of weeks of the 2026 season, but ever since rookie tackle Max Iheanachor and guard Brock Hoffman were thrust into the starting lineup, the team's offense has looked tremendously better. This change was a gamble by the organization, and it is paying off handsomely. The offensive line as a unit is relatively young and has been developing every week. It is impressive to see the unit become this good as quickly as it has, as it has been regarded as one of the best offensive lines in the NFL this season. 

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