Steelers Fans Worry On Jaylen Warren Awkward Status
The only other RFA not to sign his tender is Atlanta Falcons center Ryan Neuzil.
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Warren is still under team control for one more season, but has no contract. The undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State signed a three-year contract with the team in 2022. His contract expired, but he does not have the four-year minimum to be an unrestricted free agent. Therefore, he remains under the Steelers' exclusive control.
Pittsburgh will have to pay Warren $5.346 million this season as he was tagged with a second-round tender.
With Najee Harris departing via free agency, it was presumed Warren would be the leader to take over the starting role, but he cannot do that without a contract.
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So Steelers fans have a reason for now to worry about this awkward situation.
It is almost certain the Steelers will address the position at some point this weekend in the NFL Draft.
Warren could be fishing for a longer-term deal with Pittsburgh and might be refusing to sign his tender as leverage. Without a contract, he cannot attend any team events, like mini-camp or other organized team activities.
Warren, who signed a minimum deal out of college, will receive a substantial raise this season, either way. Even if he signs his tender, the can still negotiate with the Steelers for a longer term contract.
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It should be noted the Steelers have not offered a multi-year second contract to a running back since Willie Parker in 2006.
Warren rushed 346 times in three seasons for 1,674 yards and six touchdowns.
Related: 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Browns, Steelers Start Over at QB, Shedeur Sanders Falls Out of 1st Round
Related: Steelers Add Defensive Secondary Help in NFL Mock Draft
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