Connor Heyward Shares Why He Left Steelers

The former Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick is playing for a new team this year, and he shared who all was interested in him and why he didn't return.

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to replace Connor Heyward after the tight end/fullback chose to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Heyward, who's brother is defensive tackle Cam Heyward, was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth-round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons in Pittsburgh being utilized as a tight end, halfback and special teamer. In free agency, he signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal to join the AFC West Raiders, beginning a new chapter of his NFL journey.

Speaking on Cam's 'Not Just Football' podcast, Heyward revealed what other teams were interested in him during free agency, and why he ended up choosing Las Vegas over everyone else, including the Steelers.

"Minnesota was interested, Miami was interested, Steelers wanted me back. Danny Smith, once he found out I was still a free agent, he was going to run upstairs, and then right after that I signed," Heyward said. "There was a lot of interest, it was more so people didn't really think I would leave Pittsburgh."

"I talked to Coach [Klint] Kubiak and [John] Spytel, the GM, and the plans they had for my offensive usage outside of special teams. I know special teams is what I'm gonna do and that's a part of this fullback responsibility and role, but I was just excited to feel like I was wanted," Heyward added. "Not saying I wasn't wanted here, but it's like being recruited again and hearing the things you can do and some of the things you haven't done in a while, but knowing that you can do still."

From the sounds of it, the Steelers didn't see Heyward as a pure fullback and instead were looking to continue using him as the utility piece of their offense behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington at tight end, and sprinkled in as a fullback.

Hardest Part of Leaving Steelers For Heyward

Heyward recently shared the hardest part of leaving the Steelers after spending four years with the team.

"Honestly, it was so hard. Talking to everybody, I’m still getting messages just saying thank you for the person you were. I’m super grateful for my time in Pittsburgh and obviously playing with Cam," Heyward told Raiders media. "You don’t usually get to play with your siblings, let alone at a professional level. So I didn’t take it for granted. I loved going in everyday to work with Cam’s locker being right next to mine. That was amazing."

He'll begin his journey in the AFC West with a new role and a new opportunity. As for the Steelers, they're continuing to look for a tight end to replace him, and will likely go into the NFL Draft needing to add at least a tight end and likely a fullback as well.

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