Steelers to Cut Former 1st-Round RB, Handing Backfield to Jaylen Warren

In a move that would have seemed unthinkable two years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly preparing to part ways with former first-round pick, clearing the way for Jaylen Warren to take over as the team’s primary running back. The prediction, made by Bleacher Report this week, adds fuel to speculation about a changing of the guard in Pittsburgh’s backfield.

The Steelers declined Harris’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason, meaning he is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. While that decision was initially viewed as a cost-control measure, insiders now believe it may foreshadow a full departure — especially as Warren continues to rise in both performance and locker room status.

🔹 Jaylen Warren's Emergence

Warren, a former undrafted free agent, has done more than just outperform expectations — he’s outrushed Harris in yards per carry, contributed in the passing game, and proven to be a more explosive, versatile threat. In 2024, Warren averaged 5.2 yards per carry, compared to Harris’s 3.9.

This level of production has not gone unnoticed. According to FantasyPros, Warren is now considered one of the top fantasy football sleepers for 2025, with breakout potential if given RB1 volume.

“Jaylen Warren is dynamic and decisive,” one AFC scout told Sporting News. “He fits today’s NFL better than Najee.”

🔹 Financial & Strategic Realities

By not exercising the fifth-year option, the Steelers have signaled they are unwilling to commit long-term money to Harris — a notable decision considering the league-wide devaluation of the running back position. With NFL contract guarantees becoming more selective, Pittsburgh appears poised to go younger and cheaper.

Warren, still on his rookie deal, gives them that flexibility. That could open up cap space to extend stars like T.J. Watt or solidify other positions like the offensive line or secondary — something to watch as training camp approaches.

For those using best NFL betting apps, the Steelers’ offensive identity shift may impact player prop bets and fantasy odds. Expect Warren’s over/under rushing yard totals to climb if reports of Harris’s reduced role continue into August.

🔹 What This Means for Harris

It’s a tough blow for Harris, who came into the league with high expectations after being selected 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He delivered a strong rookie season, including over 1,200 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, but his efficiency steadily declined as the team’s offensive line struggled and his burst appeared to fade.

Now, unless Harris has a resurgent training camp and preseason, he may find himself in a timeshare — or worse, on the outside looking in when final cuts are made.

There’s also the possibility of a mid-season trade if a team suffers an injury and needs veteran depth. His value isn’t gone, but his time as the future of the Steelers’ backfield may be.

🔹 Steelers’ Backfield Moving Forward

With Aaron Rodgers now under center, the Steelers may be looking for a more versatile, pass-catching backfield to support their evolving offense. Warren’s agility and quick-cut style make him a perfect complement to Rodgers’ timing-based system.

If he continues to impress in camp and the preseason, there’s little standing in the way of him becoming the featured back in Pittsburgh’s offense — a role that could elevate both his fantasy and real-world value.

More to Read:

• Fantasy Football Sleepers 2025: Jaylen Warren Headlines Top RB Breakouts