Warren signed his restricted free agent tender today. It’ll be his final year before free agency. Mike Tomlin said earlier today that he “certainly feel[s] comfortable” with Warren entering the season as the No. 1 running back on the depth chart. It remains to be seen if the Steelers add at running back in the draft, and thus Warren’s fantasy status will hang in the balance until Saturday or so. Warren will likely get the first crack either way, but if the Steelers draft someone in the first two days of the draft, it will be a signal that we should treat Warren as more likely to wind up in a committee by October or so.

“He got hampered by injury some in 2024. He appears to be ready to answer that. I know he’s really excited about his opportunity. I don’t think myself or anyone within the question his talents in regards to managing the ability to manage potentially that role,” Tomlin continued. The Steelers have brought in nine different running backs for top-30 visits and certainly appear likely to replace Najee Harris in the draft. But it does appear like they don’t have a problem turning the role over to Warren to start the season, and the back that Pittsburgh selects will likely be in the third round or later as the Steelers don’t have a second-round pick on account of the DK Metcalf trade.

The Steelers parted ways with Najee Harris, now a Charger, after four seasons and in March signed former Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell to play alongside nominal lead back Jaylen Warren. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin complimented Gainwell for his success as a pass catcher in the flat, adding Gainwell has “a well-rounded game. He’s a capable and willing special teams player. Plays a lot on possession down ball.” Tomlin, however, said this year presents a “uniquely deep draft at [running back].” The team has completed pre-draft visits with a few high-profile backs: Ohio State’s tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, along with Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson. Warren, who has averaged a healthy 5.4 yards per carry over his first three NFL seasons, could face significant competition for backfield touches in 2025. Pittsburgh holds the 21st pick in the draft.

Warren is free to negotiate with other teams but the 26-year-old back is unlikely to generate much interest as any team that signs him would need to part with a second-round pick. With Najee Harris set to hit the free agent market, Warren could be in for a busier season than usual if Harris lands elsewhere in the coming days. However, as a career committee back, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers split Warren’s workload in 2025, whether it be with Harris or a back who is not yet on the roster. Still, Warren has been efficient on a per touch basis, averaging 5.4 YPT for his career while totaling 2,568 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns through his first three years in the league.