Colts Free Agent Decison: Darrius Heyward-Bey

Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (81) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have a decision to make this season offseason about wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. They signed him to a one-year contract last season and were hoping that he would be able to come in and be a solid number three wide receiver. Unfortunately, DHB was unable to play consistent football and returned back to the pass-dropping bust that he was with the Oakland Raiders.

There just isn’t much of a reason to believe that the Colts will even entertain the idea of bringing Heyward-Bey back for next season. The emergence of rookie wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers and young wide receiver Griff Whalen this season practically ends the discussion about a new contract coming for the inconsistent Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Heyward-Bey played in all 16 games for the Colts this season, but recorded just 29 catches for 309 yards and a touchdown. He actually ended up being the number two wide receiver as the Colts opted to continue bringing T.Y. Hilton out of the slot up until Reggie Wayne went down with a torn ACL. These numbers from DHB are unacceptable from a receiver that got targeted as many times as he did, and it will hurt him as he looks for a new job this offseason.

Overall, the Indianapolis Colts made a low-risk, potential high-reward signing last season with they gave Heyward-Bey the contract. Unfortunately he was unable to turn his career around and came out of the season being a bust. The Colts are happy with the receiving corps that they have put together, and DHB will not be back next season the Colts assuming everything goes as expected.

Evan Massey is an Editor for Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan.