Steelers Replace Connor Heyward With Indiana TE
After trading back with the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made their fifth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
At No. 169 overall, the Steelers selected Indiana tight end Riley Nowakowski, who is a natural Connor Heyward replacement.
By moving down eight spots from No. 161 with the Chiefs, Pittsburgh swapped No. 249, one of its three seventh-rounders, for a sixth-round pick that sits at No. 210.
The Steelers had not been in possession of a sixth-round selection after trading No. 216 and No. 99 to the Seattle Seahawks on Day 2 of the draft to move up to No. 96 and select Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker.
A great blocker who also has the potential to make an impact as a receiving option, Nowakowski joins a strong tight end room that includes Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi as Steelers Replace Connor Heyward With Indiana TE.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 12:21 PM.