Heyward-Bey’s One Year Deal Is For The Vet Minimum

The Steelers signed veteran wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey to a one year contract on Thursday. The one year deal appears to be for the veteran minimum, which carries a base salary of $745,000. The signing also includes a guaranteed signing bonus of $80,000. Thanks to the veteran minimum salary benefit, his 2015 cap hit will only be $665,000.

While perhaps being more known for speed and questionable hands, DHB is a productive special teams contributor. Last season, Heyward-Bey played 127 snaps on offense and was thrown at 5 times during the regular season.

“It’s great to be back,” said the veteran receiver via Steelers.com. “I just wanted to stay here and be a part of a great organization and play for a great coach. That is what Coach (Mike) 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 it’s tough dealing with the unknown, but I knew what I wanted.

“I wanted to come back here. They have been honest with me from Day 1. In this business of the NFL, for them to be very honest with me, what they expect from me and me telling them what I expect. It’s an honest partnership.”