The Pittsburgh Steelers and receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey have reportedly come to an agreement on a three-year deal before the official start of NFL free agency.
Rand Getlin of NFL Network first reported the deal had been struck and colleague Ian Rapoport later added these details on the contract:
The #Steelers deal for WR Darrius Heyward-Bey that @Rand_Getlin reported is 3 years, $3.8M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2016
Getlin also mentioned Heyward-Bey had “multiple suitors” but felt that his situation in Pittsburgh was “special.”
Ultimately for Heyward-Bey, the confidence he has in what he, his coaches, the front-office and his teammates are building trumped all.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) March 7, 2016
At the age of 29, heading into his eighth season, it hasn’t been an easy road for Hewyard-Bey since being drafted No. 7 overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2009.
Playing as a third and fourth fiddle in Pittsburgh’s dynamic aerial assault this past year, the speedy wideout made an impact when given a chance to make plays. He finished the year with 21 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns.
While he never did live up to his draft status as a top pick, Heyward-Bey is in a great position, playing with Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant, to not only continue to make an impact but also to compete for a Super Bowl with the Steelers.
Better known throughout his career for his drops than his big plays, he has remained humble, has worked hard and is now in a great spot to potentially finish his career with a ring.