Darrius Heyward-Bey and Indianapolis Colts Agree on 1-Year Contract

After being released by the Oakland Raiders at the start of free agency in March, speedy wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey has agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts, according to the team's official Twitter account:

ESPN's Adam Schefter added the details of the contract:

Heyward-Bey would’ve had a cap hit of $10.60 million next season (h/t Spotrac subscription), but the Raiders decided it would be in their best interest to cut the young wideout loose rather than restructuring a deal or trying to work out a trade.

One team’s loss is another’s gain.

Despite a lackluster 2012 statistically (41 catches for 606 yards and five touchdowns), a serious concussion in Week 3 against the Steelers undoubtedly hurt and helped kill all momentum Heyward-Bey had carried over from the 2011 season.

The former first-round pick—No. 7 overall in 2009—returned from the concussion after missing just one game, but wasn’t the elite player the team was hoping to get back for the remainder of the season.

The hope now is that a change of scenery will be enough to revitalize Heyward-Bey’s career.

Heyward-Bey is looking to return to the form he held in 2011 when he racked up 64 receptions for 975 yards and four touchdowns. That was an impressive average of 15.2 yards per catch.

If the speedy wideout can return to those numbers under his new coaching staff and offense, the 26-year-old star will make the Colts' trust and investment worth it for all parties involved.