Heyward-Bey provides depth and insurance at WR

Congratulations to Post-Gazette photographer Matt Freed for capturing Darrius Heyward-Bey catching a pass from Ben Roethlisberger against the Houston Texans last season. If he blinked he might have missed his opportunity. It was one of only three catches for Heyward-Bey on the season.

The photo accompanies the news today that Heyward-Bey was signed to another one-year deal by the Steelers. The next time Heyward-Bey caught a pass, the following week against the Indianapolis Colts, he fumbled, and from that point on he played in a total of 52 snaps over the final six regular-season games.

For the season, Heyward-Bey caught three passes for 33 yards. Those are not the types of statistics that keep former first-round draft picks employed very long, but give Heyward-Bey credit for one thing. He reinvented himself before last season and became a contributor on special teams.

That was the only reason he made the 53-man roster to begin with. Heyward-Bey had done little to distinguish himself in training camp. He suffered a concussion that kept him out for a time and was in real danger of being cut.

But over the final two weeks of training camp, Heyward-Bey caught the eye of head coach Mike Tomlin for his work on special teams. He dressed for all 16 games, a nod to his work on special teams, and contributed five tackles.

The Steelers also needed veteran depth at receiver this spring after they released Lance Moore earlier this month. The only receivers under contract had been Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant.

None of this is to suggest Heyward-Bey is a lock to make the roster next season. The Steelers are likely to draft a receiver next month. And C.J. Goodwin is an intriguing prospect who spent last season on the practice squad.

Goodwin was undrafted out of Division II California, Pa., but he is 6 feet 3 and ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at a workout last spring. He played basketball for two seasons at Fairmont State before playing football his final two years in college, the final one at Cal.

The Steelers signed him on the recommendation of Hall of Famer Mel Blount, who befriended Goodwin when he was in high school in Wheeling. Goodwin, who turned 25 last month, flashed his ability on the practice field last season, but he has to develop more consistency to make the roster.

Perhaps another season on the practice squad is in order for Goodwin, but if he can earn a roster spot this summer it most likely would come at Heyward-Bey’s expense, especially if the draft provides some rookies who are capable of playing on special teams.