Opinion: It won’t be easy to take Jaylen Warren off the field

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The Steelers running back has been a bit disrespected this offseason

The excitement around rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has been palpable. The bruising back from Iowa has a typical Steelers feel. However, in turn, that’s created less buzz for Jaylen Warren—a player that Steelers fans have been pining to take the bulk of rushing attempts from Najee Harris for the last two seasons. The black and gold declined Harris’s fifth-year option, and he’s now wearing Los Angeles Chargers powder blue.

So, the Steelers, and their fans, are finally getting that chance, and now it seems as if he’s going to slowly be phased out as the lead back? I’m struggling to understand that notion.

His production speaks for itself.

In three seasons with the Steelers, the versatile back has averaged 4.8 yards per carry (346 attempts) and 7.0 receiving yards (127 catches) per reception.

For context, last season, Indianapolis Colts former All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor averaged 4.7 yards per rush, and rising star Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons averaged 4.8 yards per tote.

Warren’s stats shouldn’t leave any doubt that he can handle a larger workload. He’s an above-average pass-blocker, and his receiving skills are elite.

His fumbling issues are exaggerated – Warren only lost one fumble last season.

I think it’s fair to say that the change of pace role with Najee Harris helped elevate those stats, and sharing the workload with Johnson could do the same. But why isn’t the opposite discussed more frequently? I think Johnson should benefit too, rather than the other way around.

Every backfield needs to have multiple options, and I’m not taking anything away from the impressive rookie. But one guy is already proven, and the other is not.

Warren’s explosiveness should generally create mismatches for opposing defenses. Instead of reducing his touches, it’s time he gets a chance to prove himself as an elite starter at running back, especially considering how he’s played over the last two seasons.

I’d bet he makes the most of it.