Las Vegas Raiders sign Connor Heyward

Connor Heyward's two-year, $4.5M signing with the Raiders earns a D+ Contract Value Index (CVI), a grade that reflects the mismatch between modest offensive role expectations and the salary commitment required to secure him. At $2.25M AAV, this is a depth-piece contract masquerading as a modest investment—solid value on paper, but only if Heyward operates as a reliable pass-catching specialist in an offense designed to feature fullback packages. The real issue is positional scarcity: tight ends with proven production command premium dollars, while developmental or complementary tight ends should sign for closer to replacement-level rates ($800K–$1.2M AAV). The recent narrative around Heyward's role—optimizing his skill set in the Raiders' scheme—suggests the front office is betting on functional upside rather than immediate star power, a bet that doesn't justify a $2.25M annual outlay for a non-franchise option. With the Raiders sitting at 3–14 and rebuilding, committing mid-tier money to a tight end when they have pressing roster gaps elsewhere is a luxury-market move that tilts toward overvaluation. The CVI reflects a deal that works only if Heyward becomes a consistent weekly contributor; any role reduction or injury makes this an anchor rather than an asset.