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Steelers sign ex-Colts WR Darrius Heyward-Bey to one-year contract

The Steelers have signed the free agent wide receiver presumably on a tryout contract with the receiver-thin Steelers. Second-year WR Markus Wheaton is expected to take over the split end position, and Heyward-Bey can be viewed as a veteran to push the inexperienced Wheaton in camp.

Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

The Steelers really weren't kidding about bringing in new players this free agency period.

Darrius Heyward-Bey, previously of the Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders, has signed a 1-year deal with the team, BTSC has learned. He is the 11th player the Steelers have given a contract to since the start of free agency March 12.

Heyward-Bey fell out of favor in Indianapolis down the stretch last season, having appeared in only eight snaps per game in their final four contests. He caught 29 passes for 309 yards and a touchdown last season.

Heyward-Bey shouldn't be considered at all a lock for the final roster. He's likely the same kind of veteran depth signing the team has made multiple times in the past - he just has a bigger name than, say, Cedrick Wilson or Quincy Morgan. He'll get a chance to compete, but the fact the team has no experienced depth behind Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Lance Moore (and only Moore and Brown have more than six career catches), Heyward-Bey gives them a bit more experience to compete for one of the final wide receiver roster spots.