The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been the talk of the offseason. Many wondered whether the team would move on from George Pickens after an up-and-down year, but they did the opposite. They kept him and added to the offense, acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. However, their backfield needed some help. Former first-round pick Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as the team decided to let him walk. They decided to bring back a familiar piece, signing Jaylen Warren to a one-year restricted free agent tender.
Pittsburgh Steelers Sign RB Jaylen Warren
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren has signed his one-year restricted free agent tender. pic.twitter.com/O5pQkSNO8m
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2025
The team announced the signing of Jaylen Warren, and it was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Warren signed a unique deal, but not an unheard-of one in the NFL. A restricted free-agent tender allows the Pittsburgh Steelers to match any offer that Warren could find on the open market. According to the NFL Operations website, this means Warren is signed to a one-year, $3.263 million deal unless another team decides to sign him. The Steelers could then match if they wanted.
More than likely, Warren will play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, which the team shouldn’t be sad about. He has been a solid backup for the team over the past three years. In three seasons, he has racked up 1,674 rushing yards, 894 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns. With Harris gone, he could become the featured back.
Who Plays Quarterback?
Last year’s quarterbacks have signed with new teams. Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, and Justin Fields signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers has visited, but so far remains unsigned. Rumors have circulated that the team could draft a quarterback, but this year’s draft doesn’t have top-tier prospects, according to most draft experts.
The pool of veterans has pretty much dried up. Mason Rudolph is on the team, but it probably isn’t a good idea to go in with him as the week 1 starter. It would not shock me if a rookie quarterback started. If that is the case, having a young veteran like Jaylen Warren in the backfield would be a huge help.
Final Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the most interesting offseasons of any team. Will they be able to keep their streak of winning seasons alive?
