The Las Vegas Raiders were the biggest spenders to start free agency, but a wrench was thrown into their plans when the Baltimore Ravens backed out of their agreement to trade for defensive end Maxx Crosby. The team slowed down with the signings, but now they’re getting back on track.
The Raiders didn’t utilize a fullback last season, but that won’t be the case in 2026. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Las Vegas has struck a deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Connor Heyward on a two-year deal worth up to $5.5 million.
Heyward also has experience playing tight end and has 44 career catches, but the Raiders already have a stacked tight end room, so he’ll most likely spend most of his snaps at fullback.
Notably, Heyward is the brother of All-Pro Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward. He spent his entire career playing in Pittsburgh with his brother, but has decided to head to Las Vegas for a fresh start.
Heyward has never missed a game in his NFL career, so the Raiders can count on him being durable. There aren’t many teams that utilize fullbacks these days, so there aren’t a ton of fullback options. Heyward was one of the best options still on the market.
Klint Kubiak Wanted FB for Offense
Fullbacks have fallen out of fashion in the NFL. There are only a small handful of teams that use them. Many of the coaches who still like fullbacks come from Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree.
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak runs a very similar system to Shanahan, so he prefers to have a fullback. He believes it’s a key position for the team to have.
“It is important,” Kubiak said of the fullback position in his offense when he spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. “You have to find the right guy, and if you can find that guy, then he becomes a big part of your offense.”
Kubiak wasn’t convinced the Raiders would find the right one, so he has to be relieved that things worked out with Heyward.
“They are harder to find,” Kubiak said. “So that’s the fun part right now, especially in the draft, is seeing who is available and who we can develop. Free agent-wise as well. I’d love to play with a fullback, but you have to play with your best 11. So we’re going to be on the lookout for one for sure.”
Raiders Need Another RB
Ashton Jeanty is going to be the bellcow for the Raiders, but Kubiak doesn’t like to rely on just one running back. The team needs to add another running back this offseason, and it has to be one who can play.
Zamir White isn’t likely to be back, and Dylan Laube is an RB3 at best. Re-signing Raheem Mostert could make sense, but he’s getting older. Brian Robinson is a free agent who would make sense in a Kubiak offense.
Ameer Abdullah has played for Kubiak and the Raiders before. Perhaps a reunion could be on the table.
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