Jaylen Warren: From Undrafted Underdog to Steelers Staple
1. College Career — The Journey to the NFL
Snow College (2017–2018)
Jaylen Warren’s path began at Snow College, a junior college in Utah, where he made an explosive mark. In 2018, he racked up 1,435 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over just nine games, earning NJCAA National Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-America honors. His average of 159.4 rushing yards per game showcased his dominance at that level.
Utah State (2019–2020)
Warren transferred to Utah State in 2019. He led the team with 569 rushing yards, including a standout 141-yard game against Wake Forest. The COVID-shortened 2020 season saw him lead again with 252 rushing yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 136-yard performance against Fresno State.
Oklahoma State (2021)
In 2021, Warren transferred to Oklahoma State University. He flourished, rushing for 1,216 yards and 11 touchdowns across 14 games, starting 12, with a standout 218-yard performance (including a 75-yard TD) against Boise State.
Across his collegiate career, he amassed 4,488 rushing yards on 706 attempts, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, with consistent receivers stats too. Wikipedia
2. NFL Entry — From UDFA to Starting Back
Undrafted Free Agent & Early Career
Warren went undrafted in 2022 but earned a spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers through a notable training camp. For the first three years, he served as a key complement to then-starter Najee Harris, contributing with his receiving ability, pass protection, and explosiveness.
2023 Breakout
In 2023, Warren broke out, posting career highs with 784 rushing yards, a 5.3 yards per carry average, and four rushing touchdowns.
2024 Setbacks and Resilience
The 2024 season brought challenges—Warren logged 511 rushing yards on 120 carries (approximately 4.3 YPC), added 310 receiving yards across 38 receptions, and missed two games due to a knee strain.
Stepping Up as RB1
With Najee Harris departing via free agency, Warren entered the 2025 season as Pittsburgh’s primary back, backed by rookie Kaleb Johnson and veteran Kenneth Gainwell.
3. The Contract & Extension — Stability Secured
2025 Tender
In April 2025, Warren signed a one-year restricted free agent (RFA) tender worth $5.346 million—keeping him under team control for the season. A rival team seeking to sign him would have had to relinquish a second-round draft pick.
September 1, 2025 — Two-Year Extension
Just before the 2025 season opener, the Steelers locked in Warren with a two-year extension through the 2027 season, preventing free agency until 2028.
Details of the extension include:
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Over $7 million in 2025 salary
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$12 million guaranteed
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Total value approaching $17.5 million over three seasons
This deal rewards Warren’s consistent production and ensures a cost-effective yet reliable lead back in Pittsburgh’s backfield
4. Fantasy Football Profile — Value Across Formats
Redraft Leagues
For 2025 fantasy drafts, Warren is a smart value pick. With RB1 responsibilities and a strong passing game role, he’s especially attractive in PPR leagues. Analysts suggest he could be a late-second-round target for contending squads.
Dynasty Formats
Warren’s extension and role stability make him a dependable dynasty asset. In Pittsburgh’s run-first scheme under OC Arthur Smith, he’s projected to remain a consistent flex/floor play long-term.
Snapshot Summary
| Fantasy Format | Role & Value |
|---|---|
| Redraft (PPR/standard) | Emerging RB1 with receiving upside |
| Dynasty | Stable, undervalued long-term asset |
| DFS / Week-to-week | Matchup-dependent, but reliable option |
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