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Connor Heyward kept it real when discussing his decision to leave the Steelers and his brother, Cameron Heyward, to sign with the Raiders in free agency
The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy to begin free agency, as they look to stock their roster with talent for the impending arrival of star quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza. One position where it may not seem like the Raiders need help is tight end, but that didn’t stop the front office from signing Connor Heyward to a two-year, $5.5 million contract in free agency.
Not only was it surprising to see Las Vegas sign Heyward, but it was also a bit of a shock to see him leave his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only had Heyward spent his entire career there, but his brother, star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, was also on the team with him. After putting pen to paper, Connor explained why he opted to leave his brother and the Steelers in the rearview mirror.
Connor Heyward Explains Decision to Sign with the Raiders
Heyward was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and since turning pro, he hasn’t missed a game, as he suited up for all 68 possible games during his time with the team. Heyward isn’t the flashiest player, as he typically makes his contributions as a blocker, but he still managed to catch 44 passes for 379 yards and three scores during his time in town, while also racking up 70 yards and another pair of scores on 18 carries.
In 2025, Heyward’s role decreased significantly, thanks in large part to Pittsburgh simply having a loaded tight end room. With Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith leading the way, and Darnell Washington emerging as a favorite target for Aaron Rodgers as the year went on, that left Heyward on the outside looking in.
While the Steelers did release Smith ahead of free agency, a return always seemed unlikely for Heyward. Sure enough, the Raiders quickly came calling, and he ended up being unable to say no to them. When looking back on that decision, Heyward admitted leaving the Steelers was difficult, but he’s confident that doing so is the best thing he could have done for his career.
“It was so hard,” Heyward said when asked about leaving the Steelers to sign with the Raiders. “I’m super grateful for my time in Pittsburgh, and obviously, playing with Cam, you don’t usually get to play with your siblings, let alone at a professional level. I didn’t take it for granted … When somebody shows you how much you could mean to an organization like coach (Klint Kubiak) told me, I just couldn’t turn it down.”
Connor Heyward to Fill Unique Role with Raiders
Todd Kirkland/Getty ImagesConnor Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons on December 4, 2022.
In an ironic twist of fate, Heyward finds himself in another crowded tight end room. Brock Bowers is one of the best players at his position in the league, and Michael Mayer has proven himself to be more than capable of holding down the fort when called upon. Mayer could get traded between now and the start of the season, though, which would open up more snaps for Heyward.
Regardless of whether or not Mayer is in town, though, Las Vegas is likely going to use Heyward primarily as a blocker. That could see him end up on the line as a typical tight end, or he could be used more as a fullback, which was something the Steelers did more with him in 2025. There’s no doubt that leaving Pittsburgh was a big move for Heyward, but he seems set to flourish now that he’s in Las Vegas.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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