Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh seeking only fourth head coach since 1969 Breaking: After a historic 19-season run in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin just informed his team that he is stepping down as the Steelers head coach, sources tell @JFowlerESPN and me. The Steelers now will be looking for only their fourth head coach since 1969. (ESPN - Adam Schefter) FF Today's Take: One of the few common threads between Pittsburgh's last three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin) is that each was hired in their 30s and cut his teeth on the defensive side of the ball. Considering how well that prototype has worked for them in their history, it would be a surprise if the Steelers departed from it. Pittsburgh desperately needs to find its next Terry Bradshaw or Ben Roethlisberger if it hopes to pick up where it is leaving off with Tomlin. Until then, it seems unlikely players such as DK Metcalf and Jaylen Warren will be able to reach their fantasy ceiling.

The scrappy former change of pace back was thrust into a featured role this season after rookie Kaleb Johnson failed to pan out, ending the regular season with 958 yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries while adding 333 yards and two touchdowns on 40 receptions. The four-year veteran has missed only four games in his career and recently signed a two-year contract extension tying him to the team through the 2027 season, making it likely we see him hold fantasy value through the offseason as the likely starter in the backfield next year. That said, quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears likely to retire following his 21st season and head coach Mike Tomlin could be on the hot seat this offseason after seven straight playoff losses, meaning it could be an entirely new situation for Warren in the coming year.

The scrappy former change of pace back was thrust into a featured role this season after rookie Kaleb Johnson failed to pan out, ending the regular season with 958 yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries while adding 333 yards and two touchdowns on 40 receptions. The four-year veteran has missed only four games in his career and recently signed a two-year contract extension tying him to the team through the 2027 season, making it likely we see him hold fantasy value through the offseason as the likely starter in the backfield next year. That said, quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears likely to retire following his 21st season and head coach Mike Tomlin could be on the hot seat this offseason after seven straight playoff losses, meaning it could be an entirely new situation for Warren in the coming year.

Gainwell enjoyed an increased role in Pittsburgh in 2025 as the primary change of pace and clear passing down option behind starter Jaylen Warren, handily setting career highs in rushing yards (537), total touchdowns (eight), receptions (73), and receiving yards (486), marking the first time in his career where he amassed more than 1,000 yards form scrimmage. He also handily returned value at a depressed ADP in fantasy drafts this offseason although his 2026 fantasy outlook remains murky after playing the 2025 season on a one-year, prove-it deal with the Steelers.

Warren rushed 12 times for 43 yards and brought in his only target for four yards in the Steelers' 30-6 wild-card loss to the Texans on Monday night.