Raiders To Sign FB Connor Heyward

While Cameron Heyward inked an extension with the Steelers earlier this week, his brother is heading elsewhere. Fullback Connor Heyward is signing with the Raiders, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

It’s a two-year deal for Heyward. The contract offers a max value of $5.5MM with $2MM fully guaranteed.

The 2022 sixth-round pick has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, and he hasn’t missed a game through his four professional seasons. He actually showed some pass-catching prowess early in his career, including a 2023 campaign where he hauled in 23 catches. Since then, he’s been limited to nine total catches.

This past year, Heyward added some wildcat QB formations to his resume. He finished the year with 15 carries for 43 yards and two touchdowns. At the same time, he’s continued to be a solid blocker, with Pro Football Focus giving him some elite grades for his pass-blocking ability.

Per Rapoport, the Steelers were interested in bringing back the FB for another season. Ultimately, new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak wanted Heyward as part of his offense, where he’ll be tasked with protecting RB Ashton Jeanty and expected first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza.