Jaylen Warren may have gotten the deal he longed for, but the Pittsburgh Steelers running back is not about to rest on his laurels.
Speaking with reporters for the first time since signing a two-year extension, Warren said heâll continue to play with a chip on his shoulder.
âIf anything,â the former undrafted free agent said, âitâs gonna add more chips.â
According to the NFL Networkâs Ian Rapoport, Warrenâs extension has a total value of $17.5 million over the next three seasons, including over $7 million this year, and $12 million guaranteed.
Why Did the Steelers Sign Jaylen Warren?
After three seasons as an effective change-of-pace option in Pittsburghâs backfield, Warren is poised for a much bigger role. The Steelers declined Najee Harrisâ fifth-year option and let him walk in free agency. Harris signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in March, leaving the 5-foot-8 Warren as the Steelersâ clear No. 1 back.
Warren was hampered by injuries last season. After straining his hamstring in the preseason opener, Warren tweaked his knee in a Week 3 win over the Chargers and was forced to sit out a pair of games.
Warren finished the season rushing for 511 yards and one touchdown on 120 carries while adding 38 catches for 310 yards, though he was hardly a factor come playoff time. He carried the ball twice for just six yards in the AFC Wild Card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Pro Football Focus rated Warren 38th out of 47 eligible running backs with an overall grade of 64.3, though he was 13th as a receiver.
Why Did Jaylen Warren Say About His New Contract?
Warren hasnât needed to look far for motivation in the NFL. After going undrafted out of Oklahoma State, it has come naturally. Itâs part of what made Warren so thankful to land a new deal.
âItâs part of what you dream about,â he said, via The Athleticâs Mike DeFabo. âBut I didnât know it was going to come this soon. Iâm grateful that it did.â
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was highly complimentary of Warren when asked about the extension.
âHis progress, I think, has been very evident,â Tomlin said, via Fox 53. âHeâs to be congratulated. That guyâs gone from an undrafted to getting a second contract, and certainly heâs been deserving of that. Certainly, heâll be our featured running back.â
Who are the Steelersâ Other Running Backs?
The Steelers drafted Iowaâs Kaleb Johnson in the third round (83rd overall) and signed Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year deal in free agency. Gainwell ran for 290 yards and one score on 75 carries as the backup to Saquon Barkley for the Super Bowl champion Eagles last season.
The Steelers kick off the season Sunday against the New York Jets.
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