The Las Vegas Raiders have added a key piece to new coach Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme, agreeing to terms with Connor Heyward on a two-year contract worth up to $5.5 million with $2 million guaranteed.
Heyward, who has played in all 68 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers since being drafted in the sixth round out of Michigan State in 2022, will serve as the team’s fullback and tight end. The Raiders did not have a fullback on the roster last season, but Kubiak has made clear the position is vital to his system.
“It is important,” Kubiak said. “You have to find the right guy, and if you can find that guy, then he becomes a big part of your offense.”
Heyward is the son of former NFL player Craig “Ironhead” Heyward and the brother of All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward of the Steelers. He also has a college connection to new Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor, as both played at Michigan State.
In addition to his fullback and tight end duties, Heyward has been used as the Steelers’ quarterback on short-yardage sneaks and is a standout on special teams.
Raiders add special teams help
The Raiders also agreed to terms with wide receiver Dareke Young on Thursday. Young, a seventh-round pick of the Seahawks in 2022, has spent four seasons in Seattle and won a Super Bowl ring in February. He has four catches in 42 career games but has primarily contributed on special teams, including recovering a key fumbled punt against the Rams in the NFC championship game.
