Steelers' backfield confusion: Is Jaylen Warren being undervalued?

When Najee Harris left Pittsburgh for the Los Angeles Chargers, many fans expected Jaylen Warren to step up as the new face of the Steelers’ backfield. But instead of embracing that opportunity, Pittsburgh's offseason moves have thrown a major curveball into the mix. What was supposed to be Warren's moment to shine has instead become a muddled situation with no clear direction.


Warren’s path to a featured role seemed straightforward until the Steelers made a series of head-scratching decisions. First, they signed Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, and then they drafted Kaleb Johnson from Iowa. These moves suddenly transformed what seemed like Warren's backfield into a three-way competition. Despite consistently delivering solid performances when given the chance, Warren has never been fully entrusted as the primary back in Pittsburgh.
Warren is an explosive, versatile player. His ability to make plays as both a runner and a pass-catcher has been evident over the years. At 5’8” and 215 pounds, he’s not the biggest back, but he’s tough and capable of handling a full workload. His per-play production has been impressive, yet the Steelers have consistently shied away from making him the focal point of the offense.

The uncertainty surrounding Warren’s future has led to speculation, with Pro Football Network even suggesting that he could be traded. Warren’s skill set burst between the tackles, shifty moves in the open field, and solid pass-catching ability would be highly valuable to many teams. Given his potential, it’s possible that Pittsburgh could land a solid mid-round pick if they decide to move him.
But should the Steelers trade him? Despite their hesitations, it seems like Pittsburgh is failing to recognize Warren’s true value. Keeping him in the backfield could provide the spark the team needs, but their mixed signals raise doubts about whether they see him as more than a backup. With the crowded competition now in place, Warren could finally thrive with a team that understands his talent and gives him the opportunity to excel.
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Pittsburgh faces a tough decision, if the Steelers don’t give Warren a clear role, another team will. Whether they trade him or fully commit to his development, Warren deserves the chance to be a key contributor. It’s time for the Steelers to decide if they’ll let him thrive or keep him sidelined.