Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren enters the 2025 fantasy football season facing a challenging backfield situation with some potential upside but notable competition. After a disappointing 2024 season hampered by a hamstring injury and a knee problem that limited his early involvement and effectiveness, Warren saw his receptions drop significantly, from 61 in 2023 to 38 in 2024, and his rushing production also declined. Despite playing two fewer games than 2023 and showing flashes, overall he finished as fantasy’s RB42 by scoring, which fell short of expectations for a player drafted around RB26 on average. The injury issues and a shift in offensive philosophy under new coordinator Arthur Smith contributed importantly to his downturn. 

The offseason brought considerable changes in Pittsburgh’s backfield and offense that will directly impact Warren’s role. Najee Harris’s departure and the arrival of rookie Kaleb Johnson as a presumed early-down back means Warren will likely continue in a complementary role rather than as an every-down featured back. Additionally, the Steelers have added Jonnu Smith and Cordarrelle Patterson remains a potent offensive weapon, limiting touches. Aaron Rodgers taking over as quarterback introduces a more deliberate style that may lower the overall volume of running back touches compared to previous years. These factors indicate Warren’s workload might be steady but capped, reducing his ceiling from an RB2 to more of a solid RB3 fantasy option on draft boards ranked near RB32.

From a talent perspective, Warren remains a productive and tough runner, ranking well in yards after contact and missed tackles forced per attempt in the back half of last season. When healthy, he provides value with his physicality and ability to gain tough yards and occasional receptions out of the backfield. Fantasy managers can expect Warren to see about 9 to 10 touches per game as he carves out his role supporting the rookie and working in passing-down scenarios. However, his injury history and the crowded offensive opportunities suggest Warren will need to stay healthy and capitalize on limited reps to emerge as a true fantasy asset in 2025.

Overall, Jaylen Warren is poised to be a steady but not standout fantasy back this season. He offers value as a reliable RB3/flex with upside in deeper leagues or as a handcuff for Kaleb Johnson. A breakout would require increased usage or injury to teammates. For fantasy drafts, targeting Warren in the late rounds aligns with his projected usage and the Steelers’ offense under Aaron Rodgers’ more restrained attack. His key to success in 2025 will be maintaining health and finding ways to produce efficiently in a more crowded and less pass-catching focused role.

Updated 08/23/2025