The Pittsburgh Steelers have many reasons to be excited about the 2024 season. To start, they significantly upgraded their quarterback room. Additionally, Pittsburgh brought in a new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, this offseason. Smith aims to revitalize one of the NFL's worst offenses over the past few seasons. Known for his emphasis on the running game, Smith will benefit from an improved offensive line, setting the stage for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to shine as a dynamic duo on the ground.
Harris was always expected to be a star, but Warren's career trajectory was quite different. Undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Warren impressed the organization during the offseason and has continued to earn more trust and opportunities within the Steelers' offense. In the 2023 season, Warren carried the ball 149 times for 784 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also contributed in the receiving game, catching 61 passes for 370 yards.
The popular social media account Field Vision Sports analyzed data from the 2023 season, highlighting the NFL's most versatile running backs. Unsurprisingly, the league's best running back, Christian McCaffrey, ranked number one. The analysis focused on running backs' productivity in both the running and receiving game. Impressively, Warren scored right beside McCaffrey, showcasing his versatility and impressing researchers.
McCaffrey has been a dominant force since he was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His career reached new heights after being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. In the 2023 season, McCaffrey was widely regarded as the best running back in the league, with many arguing he was the best non-quarterback offensive player. That year, McCaffrey carried the ball 272 times for 1,459 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. He also excelled as a receiving back, making 67 receptions for 564 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
McCaffrey's 2023 season was extraordinary, and it's intriguing to see Pittsburgh's second running back, Warren, being compared to him in a recent data report. This comparison has sparked excitement among Pittsburgh fans. There's an ongoing debate among pundits and fans about who is the more valuable running back in Pittsburgh: Harris or Warren. Harris has been consistent and reliable, often considered the better overall back.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren Could Be The Lead RB After 2024
However, the Steelers declined Harris' fifth-year option this offseason, making him a free agent after the 2024 season. Some believe 2024 could be Harris' final year in Pittsburgh, despite being set up for a career year in a very favorable system. While Steelers fans love Warren, it's uncertain if he can maintain the same level of efficiency as the lead running back. Warren did not have the same opportunities McCaffrey had in 2023, and with more opportunities and pressure, production can naturally decrease.
Pittsburgh fans have not seen Warren as the primary running back. They might if the Steelers move on from Harris after the 2024 season or if Harris signs a new deal elsewhere. Regardless, it's exciting to see Warren's versatility recognized in an unbiased data report. Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating seeing both Harris and Warren with more opportunities in a better system in 2024. Both running backs are expected to have massive seasons.
