Former first-round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey was released by the Oakland Raiders last week, after four disappointing seasons in the Bay Area. Heyward-Bey hasn't drawn much interest around the league, but the New York Jets are reportedly interest in the former Maryland receiver, according to NBC's Pro Football Talk.
Darrius Heyward-Bey draws Jets interest, according to report
The New York Jets reportedly have interest in former first-round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey, who was released by the Oakland Raiders last week.
Tim Umphrey
Oakland selected Heyward-Bey with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, in what appeared to be a reach at the time, and the receiver simply failed to meet top-ten expectations. In four seasons with the Raiders, Heyward-Bey caught 140 passes for 2,071 yards and 11 touchdowns, while averaging 14.8 yards-per-reception.
Heyward-Bey regressed in 2012, catching just 41 passes for 606 yards, but did have a career-high five touchdown receptions. In 2011, Heyward-Bey caught 64 passes for 975 yards -- both career-highs.
It’s easy to see why the Jets are drawn to Heyward-Bey. New York boasted one of the worst passing offenses in the NFL last season, and at the least, Heyward-Bey gives Rex Ryan speed to dream on.
It seems unlikely that Heyward-Bey will be a major contributor for any receiving corps, but he could provide solid depth -- and if any team needs that, it’s the Jets.
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