Who Will The Steelers Running Back Be In 2025? A Look Ahead

Zander West 28 Jul 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team with a storied history, face some big questions as they look toward the 2025 NFL season, especially when it comes to their running back situation. Fans are naturally curious, you know, about who will carry the ball for their beloved team. This is a topic that, honestly, sparks a lot of conversation among the black and gold faithful. The landscape of the running back room for the Steelers appears set for a rather significant shakeup, and everyone wants to know what's coming next, very much so.

Recent team decisions and a look at the upcoming NFL Draft truly suggest a fresh start is in the works for the backfield. With key players facing different contract statuses and a new face already joining the team, the whole picture is, like, shifting. It’s a time of change, and for a team that has, you know, relied on a strong run game for so long, these decisions are pretty important, in a way.

So, we're going to explore what the Steelers have right now at running back and where they might go with the 2025 NFL Draft. This article will, in fact, compare the team's 2024 roster to a projected 2025 depth chart, giving you a comprehensive look at the possibilities. It's all about figuring out the future of this crucial position, you know, for the Steelers.

The Current Running Back Landscape
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren: What Happened?
New Faces and Veteran Potential
The 2025 NFL Draft Running Back Class
Arthur Smith's Perspective on the Backfield
Projecting the 2025 Steelers Running Back Depth Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

The Current Running Back Landscape

As we look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' running back situation for 2025, it's pretty clear that, you know, some big changes are already underway. The team has, in fact, made some choices that point towards a new direction for their ground game. This shift is, like, a significant one, especially considering the recent history of the position on the team, basically.

One of the most notable developments is the decision to let starting running back Najee Harris, as a matter of fact, walk in free agency. This move, which happened before the 2025 NFL Draft, signals a definite change in strategy for the Steelers' offense. Harris, who had been a central figure in their backfield, is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, meaning the Steelers are, you know, moving forward with a new group of ball carriers.

This means the Steelers are now building a new running back room, one that's, like, built around fresh talent and potential. The focus seems to be on players who can, perhaps, bring a different dynamic to the offense. It's a clear indication that the team is, you know, ready to explore new avenues for their run game, which is something many fans have been talking about.

Even with these changes, veteran Jaylen Warren returns as the featured back, which is, you know, an important piece of the puzzle. Warren's role is, actually, expected to be quite central to the team's plans for the upcoming season. His presence provides a bit of continuity, even as other parts of the room are, you know, being reconfigured. He's, like, a known quantity in a period of change, you know.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren: What Happened?

The decision to let Najee Harris walk in free agency was, honestly, a pretty big one for the Steelers. This move, which happened, you know, as the team prepared for the 2025 season, was a clear signal about their direction. With Harris joining the Los Angeles Chargers, the team's primary ball carrier from recent years is, in fact, no longer with the club, which is a significant change, obviously.

Many observers believe the Steelers wisely let Najee Harris walk, choosing to favor Jaylen Warren instead. This suggests a belief that Warren can, perhaps, handle a larger workload and be the primary back. It's a strategic choice that, you know, really reshapes the expectations for the team's run game. This kind of decision, you know, always gets people talking, as a matter of fact.

Jaylen Warren's contract situation also played a role in all of this, you know. He was a restricted free agent, and by tendering an offer, the Steelers reserved the right to retain Warren by matching any offer sheet he received. This means they had a good deal of control over his future with the team, which is, like, a smart move for player retention, in a way. It shows they wanted him back, pretty much.

So, while Harris's departure marks a new era, Warren's return as the featured back, coupled with the team's ability to keep him, suggests a clear plan. The Steelers, you know, wanted to ensure they had a known quantity leading the backfield, and Warren was, actually, that player for them. This dynamic is, you know, central to understanding their 2025 running back strategy, very much so.

New Faces and Veteran Potential

Even with Jaylen Warren set to lead the charge, the Steelers have, you know, brought in some new talent and also have a veteran presence. This mix of new and experienced players is, like, a key part of their strategy for the 2025 backfield. It’s not just about one person; it’s about building a versatile group, pretty much.

One of the most interesting additions is Kaleb Johnson, who the Steelers selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson, an Iowa running back, participated in drills at training camp on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Saint Vincent College. His arrival, you know, adds a fresh, young option to the running back room, and he's expected to compete for a role, obviously.

Despite Johnson's addition, a Pittsburgh Steelers veteran running back was, rather surprisingly, named a breakout candidate for the 2025 NFL season. This suggests that the team and observers see significant untapped potential in an existing player, even with new competition. It's, like, a testament to the talent they believe they already have on the roster, you know.

Another new face is Super Bowl champion Kenneth Gainwell, who signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA. Gainwell is with the team as an added piece, providing experience and depth. His presence, you know, gives the Steelers another reliable option, which is always good to have, in a way.

Then there’s Ward, who is 27 years old and spent the entire 2024 season bouncing between the Steelers’ active roster and practice squad. This kind of player, you know, often provides valuable depth and knows the system. His experience, even if it's been a bit up and down, could be, you know, important for the team's overall running back strategy in 2025, very much so.

The 2025 NFL Draft Running Back Class

The 2025 NFL Draft class was, you know, widely considered to be packed with elite running back talent. So much so, in fact, that many believed teams would still find valuable options on day two and day three of the draft. This depth in the class is, like, a significant factor for any team looking to bolster their backfield, pretty much.

The Steelers, you know, had seven selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they leaned heavily on the defensive side of the ball with five selections. They kicked things off by drafting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. This shows a clear focus on strengthening their defense, which is, you know, a foundational aspect of their team, as a matter of fact.

However, they did address the running back position, selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. This pick, you know, highlights their intent to bring in new talent to the room, even after focusing on defense early. It makes it clear that the Steelers would, you know, still prioritize adding a promising young player to their backfield, which is, honestly, a smart move.

A comprehensive look at running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft and how they might fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers was, you know, a big topic of discussion leading up to the draft. Experts like the "Triple Take" crew—Dale Lolley, Matt Williamson, and Mike Prisuta—delved into the running back position, sharing their opinions on the top prospects. Their insights, you know, helped frame the conversation around who the Steelers might target, and they did, actually, end up taking Johnson, so that's interesting.

Arthur Smith's Perspective on the Backfield

Arthur Smith, the Steelers' offensive coordinator, has been, you know, quite honest about the running back room for 2025. His perspective is, actually, pretty important because he's the one who will be designing the offense and, you know, utilizing these players. What he thinks about the group gives us, like, a good sense of the team's overall strategy for the position, very much so.

While the exact details of his comments aren't fully laid out here, the fact that he's been "super honest" suggests a direct and clear approach to how he views the running back situation. This kind of transparency, you know, can be refreshing for fans who want to understand the team's direction. It means he's not, like, holding back on his thoughts about the personnel and their roles, you know.

His honesty also implies that the team has, you know, a defined vision for the backfield, even with the changes. It's not just a collection of players; it's a carefully considered group that fits into his offensive scheme. This is, you know, a good sign for how the running back position will be managed and developed under his guidance, pretty much.

The input from coaches like Smith is, in fact, crucial when predicting who will ultimately be the Steelers' main running backs. Their assessments of player talent, fit, and potential roles are, you know, what truly shapes the depth chart. So, his candor about the room is, like, a valuable piece of information for anyone trying to figure out the 2025 backfield, as a matter of fact.

Projecting the 2025 Steelers Running Back Depth Chart

With all the moving pieces, projecting the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 running back depth chart is, you know, a fun challenge. The team has made it clear they're embracing change, so the lineup could look quite different from previous seasons. It's, like, a new era for the running backs, and the pieces are, in fact, falling into place, very much so.

Veteran Jaylen Warren returns as the featured back, which is, you know, a solid foundation. He's proven himself capable of handling a significant workload and making plays. So, he's, like, the clear number one heading into the season, obviously, and his role is, in fact, central to the team's plans. This makes him a very important part of the puzzle, you know.

Behind Warren, Kaleb Johnson, the third-round pick from Iowa, is expected to compete for a prominent role. As a new, young talent, he brings, you know, fresh legs and potential to the backfield. He's, like, a player the team invested in, so they'll certainly want to see what he can do, pretty much, and he'll be given opportunities to show his stuff, you know.

Kenneth Gainwell, the Super Bowl champion, is with the team as an added piece, providing, you know, valuable depth and experience. His presence ensures that the Steelers have a reliable veteran option, which is, like, always a good thing for a long season. He's, in a way, a steady hand in the room, offering a different skill set, too.

Ward, who is 27 and spent 2024 bouncing between the active roster and practice squad, is also part of the mix. Players like Ward are, you know, often crucial for depth, especially given the physical nature of the running back position. His familiarity with the team and system could, in fact, give him an edge for a roster spot, which is, like, a key consideration, you know.

There could be a running back overhaul in 2025, and various realistic ways the team could attack this room have been discussed. The Steelers, you know, could see a complete shakeup, especially with Harris and Warren having been set to be free agents before Warren was tendered. This makes the depth chart, you know, quite dynamic, actually.

ESPN's 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL depth chart includes full details on starters, second, third, and fourth-tier Steelers players. This kind of resource, you know, provides a detailed look at how the team might line up. It's, like, a valuable tool for fans and analysts alike to see the projected roles for each player, very much so. Learn more about the Steelers' roster on our site, and link to this page here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people are asking about the Steelers' running back situation for 2025:

Will Jaylen Warren be the undisputed starting running back for the Steelers in 2025?

Yes, veteran Jaylen Warren returns as the featured back for the Steelers in 2025. He was a restricted free agent, and the Steelers tendered an offer, reserving the right to retain him by matching any offer sheet. This means he's, like, expected to be the primary ball carrier, pretty much, leading the way for the team.

Who is Kaleb Johnson, and what is his expected role with the Steelers?

Kaleb Johnson is an Iowa running back whom the Steelers selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He participated in drills at training camp in July 2025. His expected role is to, you know, compete for significant snaps and provide fresh talent to the running back room, potentially becoming a key part of the rotation, as a matter of fact.

What impact does Najee Harris's departure have on the Steelers' running game?

Najee Harris's departure to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency means the Steelers are moving forward with a new running back room built around fresh talent and potential. The team, you know, wisely let him walk in favor of Jaylen Warren, suggesting a shift in strategy and a new dynamic for their ground game, which is, like, a pretty big change, you know.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers are, you know, clearly embarking on a new chapter for their running back position in 2025. With Najee Harris moving on and new talent like Kaleb Johnson joining the fold, alongside the established presence of Jaylen Warren and veteran Kenneth Gainwell, the room is, actually, full of possibilities. It’s a dynamic situation that, you know, could really define their offensive approach, very much so.

The 2025 NFL Draft, with its rich running back class, played a key role in shaping this future, even though the Steelers focused heavily on defense initially. The decision to pick Johnson in the third round shows a commitment to developing young talent at the position. This is, you know, a clear indication of their long-term vision for the backfield, pretty much.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this new group of running backs performs under Arthur Smith's guidance. His "super honest" assessment of the room suggests a clear plan is in place. It's going to be, you know, fascinating to see how the roles shake out and which players step up to make a significant impact for the Steelers. This is, in fact, a very exciting time for the team's run game, you know.

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