Steelers Re-Sign Darrius Heyward-Bey

The Steelers are keeping true to their plan of signing their own free agents. Thursday morning the team announced that they’ve signed receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey to a one-year contract. Heyward-Bey played last season for the Steelers after being signed to a one-year deal in April of 2014, serving as the team’s 5^th receiver.

Heyward-Bey is a former seventh overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Maryland to the Oakland Raiders. He was released by the Raiders in spring of 2013 and quickly signed by the Indianapolis Colts where he played one season and finished with 29 receptions for 309 yards and one touchdown.

Heyward-Bey made the 53-man roster for the Steelers last summer not for his abilities at the wide receiver position, but for his willingness and capability to play special teams and play well. With Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant firmly in place as the team’s top three receivers, Heyward-Bey had to know that coming back to the team would mean coming back to special teams again. Still, he wanted to remain with the Black & Gold.

"“It’s great to be back. I just wanted to stay here and be a part of a great organization and play for a great coach. That is what Coach Tomlin is. I wanted to be back. For most guys free agency is tough, but I knew what I wanted. I knew the timing would take a little bit. For some guys its tough dealing with the unknown, but I knew what I wanted.” – Darrius Heyward-Bey"

It’s pretty clear that that Heyward-Bey wanted was to remain with the Steelers and resume his role on the special teams. Going from being a starter most of his career to taking on a different role in Pittsburgh and actually thriving in it. Heyward-Bey had only three receptions for 33 yards last year but his contributions on special teams won’t show up on the stats sheets.

"“I didn’t mind it at all. It’s all about sacrifice. I recognize a lot of people in my position wouldn’t want to do that. But I am a different type of personality. It’s all about the team. I feel like we have a great team, great leaders. If they need me to go out there on special teams and perform, I will do that.” – Darrius Heyward-Bey."

Heyward-Bey will be entering his seventh NFL season and his second with the Steelers. What do you think of the signing, Steeler Nation?

Next: Steelers Tomlin Predicts Top Offense for 2015

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