Connor Heyward Needs Bigger Role in Steelers Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers second-year tight end is making plays.

LATROBE -- The Pittsburgh Steelers offense looks smooth through three days of training camp. George Pickens and Allen Robinson are making plays, the running game seems well intact, and sleepers like Hakeem Butler are starting to make plays. 

Now, it's time to find Connor Heyward a home. The second-year tight end is easily one of the most impressive members of the Steelers' offense at training camp. He's caught multiple passes on all three days and has connections with Kenny Pickett and the two other quarterbacks. What his role is is uncertain, but with his abilities as a pass-catcher, his role should be expanding. 

"I think we had one or two really good connections today. He keeps getting open and he's gaining a lot of trust from the quarterbacks," Mitch Trubisky told All Steelers.

Heyward finished his rookie season with 12 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown. It wasn't impressive, but the sixth-round pick did earn a place on the offense by the end of the season. 

This year, the plan should be about utilizing him as the Swiss army knife the Steelers envisioned him being. He's known as a natural route runner with some of the most reliable hands on the field, and consistently comes down with passes you wouldn't expect a 5'11 tight end to make. 

"He's very athletic. He's very versatile. We can use him in a bunch of different spots," Trubisky said. "He's smart, so he knows the offense as well. That helps a lot when you want to use a player in a bunch of different spots and his versatility. He picks up quick. He's a great route runner. He separates well. He's got great hands at the point of attack. This year to last year, he just continues to grow, and it's great to see."

Right now, he appears to be the backup option for Pat Freiermuth as the team's receiving tight end. That could become more if he continues to shine at Saint Vincent College. 

"He's tight end, fullback, we'll find a spot for him," Trubisky said. "If you can make plays, we'll find a spot for you."

Connor Heyward could be in line for a larger role this season, and everything he's shown feels like he's going to make plays for the Steelers' offense in 2023. 

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