Steelers to host ex-Colts WR Darrius Heyward-Bey Wednesday

Dale Lolley is bringing more free agent news as the Steelers are apparently waking up from their free agent slumber.

One of my FA targets for #Steelers just signed with Jets - Jacoby Ford. But they will host his teammate Heyward-Bey Wednesday

— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) April 1, 2014

Former Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is scheduled to visit the Steelers Wednesday.  Heyward-Bey was the 7th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders, but never lived up to that draft position (as many expected at the time).

Heyward-Bey left Oakland for a one-year deal with Indianapolis in 2013 and started most of the year, but was replaced down the stretch and didn't have a reception in the final 3 games of the season.  According to Ed Bouchette, the Steelers have $400k in cap space, so a minimum deal in conjunction with dropping a top-51 salary would allow for Pittsburgh to bring in Heyward-Bey without making any further moves.

Veteran WR Darrius Heyward-Bey to visit #Steelers Wed. 7th overall pick in 2009. UFA. Team has just under $400K in cap room

— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) April 1, 2014

Since 2013 was Heyward-Bey's worst season, he should be looking for a cheap 1-year "prove it" deal that would benefit a Pittsburgh team that lost two of its top three wide receivers.  Even though the Steelers signed Lance Moore to a two-year deal earlier in free agency, he is not seen as a true starter outside opposite Antonio Brown, but more of a slot receiver.  Heyward-Bey's speed would allow the Steelers to stretch the defense in a way they weren't able to last season and would further challenge Markus Wheaton.

This could prove to be nothing more than a low-risk camp signing for the Steelers if the two sides can come to a deal, but Heyward-Bey would give the Steelers even more flexibility early in the draft by pushing starting wideout lower on the priority list.