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Steelers Free Agency: Backs and Receivers

By Kim Myers

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (88) after Brown caught a twenty-three yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates with wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (88) after Brown caught a twenty-three yard touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) congratulates wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (88) after a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) congratulates wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (88) after a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-18. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

DHB has enjoyed a career renaissance in Pittsburgh after being pretty much labeled a bust early on. His bust label most definitely had to do with his draft status as the 7th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Maryland to the Oakland Raiders.

That was back in the Al Davis mentality of just drafting the fastest guy at the combine and figuring out the details later. DHB went through multiple injuries and unproductive years with the revolving coaching staff in Oakland and was eventually released in 2013. After spending one season with the Indianapolis Colts DHB signed with the Steelers in April of 2014.

For his contributions unselfishly playing primarily on special teams DHB was rewarded with a one-year contract for 2015. Because of the four-game suspension Martavis Bryant served at the start of the 2015 season DHB started as the third receiver behind Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton.

DHB finished the 2015 regular season with 21 receptions for 314 yards and two touchdowns. He caught the longest reception in the AFC Divisional Playoff game (58 yards) and still contributed to special teams throughout the season.

This is another signing I can see going either way for the Steelers. While no one can argue that the team has been challenged (putting it mildly) at drafting and developing talent in the defensive backfield they’ve been the exact opposite with wide receivers.

With Sammie Coates undoubtedly expected to receive more playing time in his second year I would assume that the Steelers either offer DHB a minimum-pay one-year deal again or let him test the market to see if he’s improved his value in the league.

Next: Offensive Free Agents

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