Steelers Cut Ties with Jaylen Warren in Shocking Trade Prediction After Signing Gainwell, Drafting Johnson

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers’ backfield took a dramatic turn this offseason, and Jaylen Warren could be the odd man out. After signing Kenneth Gainwell in free agency and drafting Kaleb Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft, a stunning trade prediction from Pro Football Network suggests the Steelers might part ways with their dynamic running back.

When Najee Harris bolted for the Los Angeles Chargers, Warren, an undrafted gem since 2021, seemed poised to claim the RB1 role. His 4.6 yards per carry and 1,256 rushing yards in 2024 fueled optimism. Yet, Pittsburgh’s front office had other plans, reshaping the backfield into a crowded three-headed race.

Gainwell, a pass-catching specialist from the Eagles, brings third-down versatility with 79 career receptions. Johnson, selected 83rd overall from Iowa, is a bruising power runner with 1,537 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024. Together, they’ve clouded Warren’s path to a starting role.

“Warren’s explosiveness as the 1B back could fetch a solid mid-round pick,” Pro Football Network’s Anthony Palacios wrote. “If he can’t outshine Johnson or Gainwell, the Steelers might cash in.” The prediction has sent shockwaves through Steelers Nation, with fans on X lamenting, “Trading Warren? That’s malpractice!”

Warren’s skill set—shifty runs, reliable hands (74 catches, 532 yards), and burst between the tackles—makes him a hot commodity. At 5’8”, 215 pounds, he’s compact but durable, a perfect fit for teams like the Giants or Cowboys needing a spark. A fourth-round pick could be enough to pry him away.

The Steelers’ hesitation to crown Warren as their lead back is puzzling. Despite a 79.3 PFF grade in 2024, he was never given more than 149 carries in a season, often overshadowed by Harris. Pittsburgh’s pivot to Johnson, a Harris-like workhorse, and Gainwell’s situational prowess suggests a new vision.

Trading Warren could backfire. Johnson, though talented, is unproven at the NFL level, and Gainwell has never topped 364 rushing yards in a season. Losing Warren’s proven production risks destabilizing an offense already grappling with Mason Rudolph as QB1 and a developing Will Howard.

As OTAs loom, Warren’s future hangs in the balance. Will Pittsburgh double down on their new backfield or keep their homegrown star? For now, the trade buzz is a stark reminder: in the NFL, even the brightest talents aren’t safe.