Connor Heyward

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		68	44	379	3
2025		17	3	21	1
2024		17	6	40	1
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Raiders' two-year, $4.5M commitment to Connor Heyward ($2.3M AAV) represents a fair deal for an unproven tight end with developmental upside, earning a solid C CVI grade. At this price point, Las Vegas isn't betting the farm on immediate production from a player who remains largely untested at the NFL level, but they're paying enough to suggest they see legitimate potential in his skill set. The modest $1.9M guaranteed money provides the Raiders with flexibility to move on after year one if Heyward fails to develop, while the overall contract structure reflects appropriate risk management for a player transitioning from his previous role. For an organization looking to build depth at tight end without breaking the bank, this deal strikes the right balance between opportunity cost and potential reward. Heyward gets a legitimate chance to prove himself in a new system, while the Raiders avoid the premium prices that proven contributors command in today's market.

Performance Analysis

Connor Heyward earns an F for the Raiders at tight end, a player who has been unable to establish himself as a productive NFL option at the position. Heyward has some versatility — he has played both tight end and fullback — but he has not excelled at either role. His receiving contributions have been minimal, and his blocking has been below average. The Raiders have cycled through tight end options, and Heyward has not distinguished himself from the group. He is a player without a clear role, which is a difficult position to be in on any NFL roster.

Fan Sentiment

The Las Vegas Raiders' addition of Connor Heyward has generated measured optimism around his versatility as a hybrid tight end/fullback, earning a C+ sentiment grade from media and fan reaction. Coverage across five articles emphasizes the practical value of his dual-position capability, with analysts viewing this as a smart depth move rather than a splash signing. The media narrative frames Heyward as a utility player who can contribute in special packages and situational football, addressing the Raiders' need for positional flexibility without breaking the bank. Fans appear to appreciate the under-the-radar nature of the move, seeing it as prudent roster building that adds special teams value and offensive versatility. While this signing won't generate headlines, the consensus suggests Heyward's hybrid skill set provides the kind of positional insurance that can prove valuable throughout a long NFL season.