Key Takeaways
- The Las Vegas Raiders signed wide receiver and kick returner Dareke Young from the Seattle Seahawks.
- The team also added fullback and tight end Connor Heyward from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year deal.
- Both players add depth and help on special teams right away.
The Las Vegas Raiders made two more moves on Thursday. They are still working hard to rebuild the roster this offseason. Both moves add depth and help on special teams.
First, Las Vegas signed wide receiver and kick returner Dareke Young. He comes over from the Seattle Seahawks. Young already knows the playbook. He played for new Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in Seattle. The 25-year-old also brings Super Bowl experience to the locker room.
The Seahawks drafted Young in 2022. He played in 44 games over three seasons. He was mostly a core player on special teams. But he also gave the team a good backup at receiver. He is a solid kick returner and an extra weapon on offense.
Next, the Raiders signed fullback and tight end Connor Heyward. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Heyward signed a two-year deal. The contract is worth $5.5 million and includes $2 million in guaranteed money.
The 26-year-old played four seasons in Pittsburgh. He is known as a strong blocker. He can also catch passes out of the backfield. He is the younger brother of star defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. The Raiders were looking hard for a fullback and also checked out Denver’s Adam Prentice before they picked Heyward.
Walk the Plank
Young gives the Raiders a steady player on special teams. He is a great kick returner, which helps with field position. Plus, he already knows Kubiak’s offense. This will help him fit in fast.
Kubiak has said he wants a “wingman” to help his running backs. Heyward fits that role perfectly. The fullback position is rare in the NFL today. But Kubiak clearly wants one in his offense. It will be fun to see how the team uses Heyward. Maybe we will see some old-school physical football or even the classic “Spider 2 Y Banana” return to Las Vegas.
These are not flashy moves. But they are smart moves to build a deeper roster. The Raiders need strong role players, not just stars, to put a winning team on the field.
