Insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Pittsburgh Steelers wanted full back Connor Heyward to return for 2026. But it’s not going to happen.
Rapoport reported Thursday night the Las Vegas Raiders signed Heyward to a 2-year, $5.5 million contract. The deal will include $2 million guaranteed.
“The Steelers wanted Heyward back, but Klint Kubiak wants him as his FB for what he’s building in Vegas,” wrote Rapoport on X.
Heyward played full back but also fulfilled a lot of other roles during his four seasons with the Steelers. Previous head coach Mike Tomlin raved about Heyward’s versatility during the 2022 NFL Draft.
“He’s a Swiss Army knife. He’s very talented. He has a nice skill set,” Tomlin told reporters in April 2022 when the team drafted Heyward. “He’s a capable runner. He’s a capable blitz pickup guy. He’s very good in terms of the screen game, timing and feel.”
During his first three seasons, Heyward lined up as a full back, tight end, and slot receiver on Pittsburgh’s offense. He also played an intricate role on special teams.
Then in 2025, Heyward became the team’s quarterback on its own version of the “tush push.” The Steelers ran that formation 16 times with Heyward behind center during the regular season.
Heyward never missed a game during his four-year Steelers tenure. He posted 44 catches for 379 yards with three touchdowns. Heyward also had 70 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
During 2025, 11 of his 15 rushing attempts resulted in first downs.