Omar Khan Crafts a Dynamic Running Back Corps for Steelers’ Future

Pittsburgh, March 13, 2025 – With Najee Harris now donning a Los Angeles Chargers jersey, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back room has a void to fill as the 2025 season looms. Let’s break down the current roster, evaluate key players, and explore how GM Omar Khan is piecing together a backfield to keep the Steelers’ ground game rolling. Here’s a look at who stays, who goes, and what it means for Pittsburgh’s strategy moving forward.

Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren has emerged as a breakout star for the Steelers, and his recent second-round restricted free agent tender ensures he’s not going anywhere in 2025. The undrafted gem from Oklahoma State ran for 784 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, averaging a crisp 4.8 yards per carry, while adding 61 catches for 370 yards. His elusiveness and pass-catching ability have made him a perfect fit for Arthur Smith’s offense.

Warren’s toughness—rushing for 100+ yards in three games despite a banged-up offensive line—has cemented his role as the new RB1. With Harris gone, expect Warren to shoulder a bigger load while mentoring younger backs. He’s the heartbeat of this backfield now.

Verdict: Stays

Kenneth Gainwell

Fresh off a one-year deal signed this week, Kenneth Gainwell arrives from the Philadelphia Eagles with a versatile resume. The 25-year-old logged 1,906 total yards and 13 touchdowns over four seasons in Philly, excelling as a change-of-pace back and third-down weapon. His 2024 stats—290 rushing yards and 116 receiving yards—don’t scream superstar, but his 25.3-yard average on kick returns hints at untapped potential.

Gainwell’s speed and receiving skills complement Warren perfectly, offering a dual-threat dynamic that could stretch defenses. He’s here to prove he’s more than a backup, and a strong camp could lock him into a significant role.

Verdict: Stays

Cordarrelle Patterson

Cordarrelle Patterson, the 33-year-old veteran signed in 2024, brings a unique hybrid flair to Pittsburgh. Known more for his All-Pro kick-return prowess (nine career return TDs), Patterson still chipped in 181 rushing yards and 92 receiving yards in limited action last season. His cap hit of $3.2 million in 2025 makes him a pricey depth piece, though.

While his explosiveness adds a wrinkle to special teams and gadget plays, Patterson’s age and declining production suggest he’s on the bubble. Unless he shines in camp, the Steelers might opt for younger legs.

Verdict: Goes

Aaron Shampklin

Aaron Shampklin, an undrafted free agent from Harvard, has bounced between the Steelers’ practice squad and active roster since 2022. In 2024, he saw minimal action—six carries for 22 yards—but impressed in preseason with his burst and vision. At 25, he’s still raw but hungry to carve out a niche.

With Harris’ departure opening opportunities, Shampklin’s low cost and upside make him a sleeper to watch. A standout summer could land him the RB3 spot.

Verdict: Stays

Jonathan Ward

Jonathan Ward, a 27-year-old journeyman, joined the Steelers in 2024 after stints with the Cardinals and Titans. He contributed 44 yards on 11 carries last season, mostly in mop-up duty, and logged solid special teams snaps. But with Warren and Gainwell ahead of him, Ward’s path to the 53-man roster looks narrow.

He’s a camp body with grit, but unless injuries strike, he’s likely headed back to the practice squad or out the door.

Verdict: Goes

La’Mical Perine

La’Mical Perine, a 2020 fourth-round pick by the Jets, signed a futures contract with Pittsburgh in January 2025. The 26-year-old has struggled to find a footing in the NFL, with just 340 career rushing yards across four teams. His 2024 stint on the Steelers’ practice squad showed flashes of power, but he’s yet to translate it into meaningful game action.

Perine’s a longshot who’ll need a monster camp to stick. For now, he’s more depth fodder than a serious contender.

Verdict: Goes

Steelers’ Backfield Blueprint

Omar Khan is weaving a new tapestry at running back after losing Harris, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher. Jaylen Warren steps into the spotlight as the lead back, bringing agility and versatility, while Kenneth Gainwell adds a complementary spark with his speed and hands. Aaron Shampklin looms as a dark horse, offering potential on a budget. Together, this trio could keep Pittsburgh’s ground-and-pound identity alive while adapting to a more explosive, modern attack.

The departures of Patterson, Ward, and Perine signal a youth movement, trimming fat to prioritize players who fit Arthur Smith’s vision. With T.J. Watt’s restructure freeing up $12-13 million and Mason Rudolph back as QB depth, the Steelers have the cap space to chase a veteran RB like Aaron Jones if needed—or trust this trio to carry the load.

For Steelers fans, it’s a refreshing reset. Warren and Gainwell could form a dynamic duo, proving that Pittsburgh doesn’t need a workhorse like Harris to dominate on the ground. The pieces are in place—now it’s up to training camp to sort the keepers from the cuts.