{"id":809569,"date":"2026-03-13T06:10:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T06:10:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/809569\/"},"modified":"2026-03-13T06:10:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T06:10:33","slug":"rapoport-te-connor-heyward-leaving-steelers-for-raiders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/809569\/","title":{"rendered":"Rapoport: TE Connor Heyward Leaving Steelers For Raiders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Connor Heyward\u2019s time in Pittsburgh has come to a close. He is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders on a two-year deal worth $5.5 million, per NFL Network\u2019s Ian Rapoport.<\/a><\/p>\n

Fullback news: Connor Heyward has agreed to terms with the #Raiders<\/a> on a 2-yea, $5.5M max value deal with $2M fully guaranteed, per agent Michael Perrett.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Heyward shared a short goodbye message on Twitter\/X Thursday evening.<\/p>\n

Thank you Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Connor Heyward (@ConnorHeyward1) March 12, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Rapoport added the Steelers \u201cwanted\u201d Heyward back, but he chose to sign<\/a> with the Seahawks.<\/p>\n

In addition to providing depth at tight end, Heyward was a valuable special teamer, and more recently, a fullback. When the Steelers started employing their own version of the tush push in 2025, he was the ball carrier due to his experience as a running back dating back to his Michigan State days. They even named their tush push \u201cSpartan\u201d after him<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Because of the Spartan formation, Heyward was third on the team last season in rushing first downs with 11. He had 15 total carries for 43 yard and two TDs. He also chipped in three receptions for 21 yards and a TD. Very few things consistently worked in Pittsburgh\u2019s offense last season, but Heyward\u2019s Spartan play was one that did<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Connor will not join his older brother Cam as multi-contract Steelers, but he had staying power relative to his Steelers draft class. A sixth-round pick in 2022, Heyward watched as most of his classmates were either cut or traded. Just Heyward and Calvin Austin III made it the full duration of their rookie deals.<\/p>\n

Earlier this week, Cam Heyward agreed to a revised contract and extension through 2027. Connor will play for new head coach Klint Kubiak, who found use with a fullback\/H-back type in Seattle with Robbie Ouzts, who logged over 200 offensive snaps as a rookie en route to winning a Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

If Mike McCarthy and his staff pick up where the Steelers left off with the Spartan formation, they will need to find someone to fill the important role now open with Connor Heyward signing elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Heyward is the second Steeler to exit today, joining WR Calvin Austin III who departed for the New York Giants.<\/a><\/p>\n