Jaylen Warren’s arrival into the discussion of top running backs may have surprised some at the national level. For Pittsburgh Steelers fans who have watched him going on five seasons now, the only surprise is that it didn’t happen sooner.
Warren has always been an explosive player, even as an undrafted rookie where he totaled just under 600 yards from scrimmage on 105 touches. Despite few talking about him on a national level, he topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in his second season, recording 784 rushing
yards and 370 receiving yards in 2023. He missed two games in 2024 but was on pace for 998 total yards that season, as well, and continued his ascent in 2025 with 1,291 total yards and eight touchdowns.
And while it looked as if the Steelers were still hesitant to go all in on No. 30 as a true, unquestioned featured back – the signing of Rico Dowdle signaled they would run back another 50-50 split backfield – an injury to Dowdle opened up more opportunities for Warren, and he has taken full advantage of those chances. Warren is currently seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (561) and second in the league in yards per carry of all running backs with at least 50 touches (5.5). Additionally, his 294 yards receiving are second among running backs, trailing only Ashton Jeanty. However, he has 10 fewer receptions than Jeanty and is only 18 yards behind him. Warren’s 12.5 yards per reception leads all running backs, nearly two yards ahead of second-place Emanuel Wilson.
In terms of scrimmage yards, Warren is fourth in the NFL, only Bijan Robinson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jahmyr Gibbs. His efficiency has been off the charts, as well, ranking second in total EPA among all running backs with Christian McCaffrey being the only name in front of him, Over the Steelers’ three-game win streak, he ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards, as well as EPA per rush, and his 10 impact plays are the fourth-most in the NFL in that span.
Warren’s ascension into stardom has led to the Steelers finding both a groove and an identity on offense. While their passing game is far from the most explosive in the NFL, having a firework like Warren has seen that gap bridged. Pittsburgh’s success rate during their three-game win streak is eighth in the NFL, and they are one of 12 teams with a positive total EPA over that span. Warren is more than just a net positive for Pittsburgh, he’s the heartbeat of their offense. And while Aaron Rodgers will prance into the Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh will go as far as Warren’s legs will take them.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Steelers received trade calls on LB Patrick Queen
- Kurt Warner sees low ceiling for Steelers
- Steelers interested in trading for Colts WR Josh Downs
- Steelers named trade destination for Eagles CB Riq Woolen
- Steelers connected to Chargers WR Ladd McConkey in potential trade
