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Jaylen Warren
RB · PIT

Jaylen Warren

Position RB
Team PIT
Bye Week 9
PPR Rank #70

Jaylen Warren

NFL player. Position: RB. Team: PIT.

Quick Facts

  • Position: RB
  • Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Bye week (2026): 9
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 70

2026 Outlook

Warren finished 2025 as one of the Steelers' most consistent skill players despite the offense's struggles. An undrafted free agent who excels as a pass-catcher and blocker, Warren ranked 15th in EPA/rush, 19th in success rate, and 8th in missed tackles forced among 49 qualifying RBs. His three-down versatility makes him incredibly useful in McCarthy's system. With Aaron Rodgers returning and new coordinator Brian Angelichio implementing a more explosive passing scheme, Warren should see increased usage in the passing game, boosting his PPR value. Ranked #9 on the Steelers' depth chart, he remains a reliable back despite limited draft capital investment (per Bell: Ranking Steelers Top 10 Players Entering 2026).

SNAP SHARE CONCERNS (June 23): Despite being labeled the lead back in 2025, Warren led Steelers RBs in snaps in only 8 of 16 games, with Kenneth Gainwell taking significant work. While Gainwell moved to Tampa Bay, the Steelers subsequently signed Rico Dowdle (back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher), creating a crowded backfield. Snap-share uncertainty and competing backs create bust risk even in deeper leagues, potentially limiting Warren's touches and ceiling (per Breece Hall Headlines Group of Potential Running Back Busts in Fantasy Football).

McCarthy's ground-game emphasis (June 30): Yahoo Sports' 2026 Steelers positional review rated the RB room at 7.5, noting that McCarthy and new OC Brian Angelichio specifically want a "dynamic ground game" to avoid taxing 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers with high pass volume. Warren and Dowdle are expected to form a "productive 1-2 punch," with Dowdle coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and Warren bringing pass-catching versatility. McCarthy's system success in past stops has hinged on dominant run games, suggesting both backs could see elevated usage if the OL performs. (per Rating each position on Steelers' roster heading into 2026 NFL training camp)

With Kenneth Gainwell's departure, Warren is positioned as the primary receiving back, handling most passing-down work. The most likely scenario has Rico Dowdle dominating early-down work while Warren operates as a high-end RB2 if he captures most of Gainwell's target share. At RB27 in ADP, Warren offers value for a back coming off 1,000 rushing yards, 40 receptions, and 8 touchdowns in 2025 (per 5 Position Battles to Watch: Running Backs (2026 Fantasy Football) - FantasyPros).

Entirely new Steelers coaching staff (July 13): The Steelers have a new head coach (Mike McCarthy) and new offensive coordinator (Brian Angelichio). While McCarthy worked with Rico Dowdle in Dallas, Aaron Rodgers has publicly stated he's a "big fan of what Warren brings to the table." The training camp battle will center on who is the better pass-catcher, better blocker, and who works better in no-huddle and two-minute situations. This suggests the outcome may hinge on Rodgers' comfort level and the broader diversity of Warren's skill set rather than pure system fit. (per Steelers Training Camp Battles — Can Warren Or Dowdle Pull Away At Top Of RB Depth Chart?)

March 27 free agency summary: Post-free agency, the Steelers solidified their RB room with Rico Dowdle's two-year, $12.25M signing. Warren emerged as the proven three-down workhorse, rushing 211 times for 958 yards (4.5-yard average) and six TDs while catching 40 passes for 333 yards in 2025—proving he can handle heavy workload and excel in pass game. His pass-blocking reliability and vision in gap schemes position him as ideal complement to Dowdle's power-running profile, allowing McCarthy's system to deploy both without sacrificing production on any down. (per Steelers RB group solid after addition of Travis Homer - Steel City Underground)

July 18 note — decision to not make him a workhorse limits upside: Despite posting solid 2025 numbers (211 carries, 958 yards, 8 TDs; 40 receptions, 333 yards), the Steelers' subsequent signings revealed they've decided Warren is not going to be their workhorse RB. The Steelers brought in Rico Dowdle, a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher who fits Mike McCarthy's system and will command significant early-down work. This decision has "knocked down" Warren's fantasy football career outlook in dynasty leagues—he remains a valuable piece due to his pass-catching and versatility, but he's no longer positioned for a bellcow role despite his 2025 productivity (per Bucky Irving, Xavier Worthy, And 2 Other Dynasty Fantasy Football Fallers).

July 27 — confirmed as a locked-in back ahead of training camp: The Steelers have built depth at running back and confirmed both Dowdle and Warren are safe to make the roster; the real training camp competition centers on the lower depth chart spots. Dowdle and Warren's skills differ enough (Dowdle's power-running profile vs. Warren's pass-catching versatility) that the Steelers may be able to use both effectively, with Warren remaining the primary receiving back even in a committee setting. (per Steelers Training Camp Battles —Three Dogs, But How Many Bones At Bottom Of RB Depth Chart?)

Role / Depth Chart

Competing in a running back committee with Rico Dowdle. The Steelers have two starting-caliber backs, but early indications suggest Dowdle may become the primary back due to his familiarity with Mike McCarthy's offensive system. Warren's pass-catching abilities and versatility make him a valuable complementary back, though his snap share could be limited in a committee setting. (per 10 questions the Steelers must answer at training camp)

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Jaylen's role

Mike McCarthyHead CoachBrian AngelichioOffensive CoordinatorJahri EvansAssistant Offensive Line CoachJames CampenOffensive Line CoachRamon Chinyoung Sr.Running Backs Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

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