Steelers A to Z: In last year of contract, can Connor Heyward show value at tight end, fullback?

Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

TE/FB CONNOR HEYWARD

Experience/age: Fourth season, 26

Contract status: $1.14 million cap hit in 2025, after which will be an unrestricted free agent

The past: The younger brother of Steelers longtime captain Cameron and son of late former Pitt star Craig, Connor Heyward was a versatile do-it-all on offense at Michigan State before the Steelers selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. A tight end in name when he embarked on a pro career, that is where he almost exclusively played on offense as a rookie. Heyward, who has not missed a game in his career, took over the Steelers’ scant fullback duties in 2023 following the departure of Derek Watt. Heyward remained the Steelers’ No. 3 tight end in that time but after the signing of veteran MyCole Pruitt last year Heyward became the TE4. Under new coordinator Arthur Smith, at least multiple tight-end sets were the norm — but Heyward’s playing time at TE did drop from the prior year. He did, however, line up at fullback much more often (82 snaps, compared to 33 in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus).

But no Steeler played more on special teams than Heyward last season. In three NFL seasons, Heyward has 19 tackles (10 solo) in addition to 41 catches for 358 yards and two touchdowns receiving (plus three carries).

Versatile Connor Heyward trying to stand out in crowded Steelers tight end room https://t.co/LJbdRw9pYw

— Tribune-Review Sports (@TribSports) August 13, 2024

2025 outlook: Heyward appeared headed for another year as the TE4/fullback/special-teamer when spring workouts began — but then, projected No. 3 tight end Donald Parham suffered a season-ending injury during organized team activities. The Steelers, though, remain linked to veteran tight ends available from outside the organization. Also, undrafted rookie JJ Galbreath has turned heads so far at tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. In other words, nothing is guaranteed for Heyward as he completes his standard four-year rookie contract.

But Heyward is a popular presence in the locker room (being the little bro of a co-captain doesn’t hurt in that end) and a core member of the special teams. Though the Steelers signed undrafted rookie fullback DJ Thomas-Jones, that position — for however much it is used — is in Heyward’s hands. The reliable Heyward will make the team again in 2025. With an expiring contract, though, after that remains to be seen.