NFL News: Aaron Rodgers teammate has no concerns about new challenges in the 2025 season with the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most talked-about teams in this NFL offseason. Aaron Rodgers‘ arrival also lifts the expectations. However, other teammates have to step up as the black-and-gold also lost key players.

One of those players was the running back, Najee Harris. He left to join the Chargers and left a whole in the backfield. Luckily, Jaylen Warren has stated that he’s ready to thrive as three-down back if needed.

Warren served as the second back in his first three seasons. However, he has been a very productive player. In the last two seasons, he has 1,975 scrimmage yards and 5 touchdowns. Warren has also proved to be explosive and a very good pass-catcher.

Jaylen Warren will have help

During a recent interview for the Steelers’ website, Warren said he “approached this offseason differently.” He added “I did a lot more things for longevity wise… I had to adapt. This game is about longevity and like they say, the best ability is availability.”

Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball before the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Steelers trust Warren to have a key role on offense. However, they also went to draft Kaleb Johnson in the third round. The former Iowa running back has impressed in OTAs and minicamps so, while Warren might have the heavy workload, Johnson can sweep in and create a bigger dynamic in the run game.

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Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner told beat reporter Nick Farabaugh that Johnson is “just wired in the right way.” If Pittsburgh can establish a good rushing offense, the one big beneficiary is Aaron Rodgers. The new quarterback has one of the most precise and educated arms in the NFL. If he can trust his running game, the play-action can become a huge threat to the rest of the teams.

The Steelers might lean heavily on the run

Mike Tomlin famously said that Steelers way is “run the football, stop the run.” That is a clear message. However, when looking at the depth chart, Pittsburgh might actually have to lean on the run.

Even if they landed D.K. Metcalf, the aerial weapons are not as numerous as the running back room. Warren and Johnson will have most of the snaps, but the Steelers also added Kenneth Gainwell, who just won the Super Bowl as Saquon Barkley‘s backup in Philadelphia. The Steelers are desperate to have a productive offense, which has been the Achilles heel of the team in the past few years.