May 19, 2025

Jaylen Warren has operated in a production-inhibiting timeshare with Najee Harris during Warren's first three seasons with Pittsburgh. Warren averaged 7.2 attempts/34.9 rushing yards per game, and 4.8 yards per attempt from 2022-2024. His involvement as a receiving weapon launched him to seventh among all backs in receptions (99/3.1 per game), and 10th in targets (21/3.8 per game) since 2023. Warren also paced Pittsburgh's backfield with a 48 percent snap share from Weeks 7-17 last season, while averaging 9.4 attempts/42.9 rushing yards per game. He also rose to seventh in targets per route run (22.9 percent) and receiving yards (271/27.1 per game) during that 10-game span, and finished 14th among backs with a receiving grade of 70.9 from PFF during 2024. Harris's departure to Los Angeles created a temporary pathway for Warren to seize an expanded workload within the Steelers' reshaped backfield. However, that scenario dissipated three days after Warren signed his one-year restricted free agent tender, when Pittsburgh selected Kaleb Johnson during Round 3 of April's NFL Draft (83rd overall). Warren should retain his previous workload while Johnson will ascend into the role that had previously been designated for Harris. This should sustain Warren's ability to supply RB3 output, which makes him a viable option at his Round 8 ADP in best ball drafts (89/RB32) and his Round 9 ADP in dynasty startups (104/RB32).--Phil Clark - RotoBaller