Connor Heyward

Career StatsD+

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)

Connor Heyward drew a D+ on the Contract Value Index — a calibrated read on Las Vegas's cap allocation at TE. At $2.25M AAV over two years, this is a modest depth contract that aligns with his production profile: in 2025, he logged 21 receiving yards and 9 tackles across 17 games, a clearly backup-level contribution that justifies below-market money. Fullback-tight end hybrids occupy a secondary tier of the salary structure — the deal reflects realistic positional value without overpaying for limited snap count. At 27 and in his fourth season, Heyward is a proven reserve, not an emerging talent entering a growth window, and the two-year commitment carries minimal long-term cap risk for a player in this role. The Raiders' recent activity suggests pragmatic roster construction: cuts and low-dollar signings point to a team evaluating depth at multiple positions rather than chasing explosive upgrades. This signing fits that template — media and fan consensus pegs Heyward as versatile roster filler addressing a positional gap, not a game-changer, and the CVI grade reflects exactly that: fair value for a complementary piece.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Connor's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Connor Heyward grades a D+ performance mark, with his Pro Bowl-caliber stretches anchoring the read. A fourth-year player at 27, Heyward produced minimal counting stats in the 2025 season—21 receiving yards across 17 games—that underscore his role as a reserve contributor rather than a featured offensive weapon. His nine tackles suggest modest defensive value on special teams, though neither metric indicates impact-level production at the tight end position. The volume of games played (17) demonstrates availability, but the anemic yardage output reveals limited offensive involvement in a run-game-focused scheme, particularly as the Raiders continue to retool depth at multiple positions. Media framing positions him squarely as a utility hybrid—fullback-eligible tight end—designed to provide schematic flexibility and positional insurance rather than sustained productivity, a characterization that aligns cleanly with his restricted snap share and statline. His signing fits the Raiders' current trajectory of incremental, under-the-radar moves aimed at depth and special teams value, not offensive firepower.

How Connor Compares at the Position

Connor Heyward ranks 116th of 164 graded tight ends by performance. That slots Connor between Nate Adkins (D+) just ahead and Jack Stoll (D+) just behind.

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.