Darrius Heyward-Bey Leaves Indianapolis Without A Deal

Well, it looks like you can cross Darrius Heyward-Bey off the Colts free agent list... perhaps for good this time.

The former 7th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft was in Indianapolis on Monday and Tuesday, but left to visit the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. As Phil B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star noted:

While it might seem premature to scratch the free-agent wide receiver off the list for the Colts, it’s worth reminding general manager Ryan Grigson hasn’t wasted any time with his new additions. When he has reached a deal in the past, those agreements were announced quickly. When the Colts confirmed for me Heyward-Bey visited Tuesday and no further comment would be made, you start to think about what’s next.

Again, with all the other free agent signings that have happened thus far this offseason, Ryan Grigson does not waste time. If they show up in Indianapolis for a visit, guys typically get signed. If they leave without a contract, history says cross'm off.

With Heyward-Bey leaving for Detroit, I think it's now safe to say that he was never Jim Irsay's "wopper" wide receiver. The Colts now must figure out what Plan C and Plan D are at wide receiver. Based on some of Ryan Grigson's comment on LaVon Brazill in Phil's article, they know that they need a veteran player to come in here and help at that position.

On a conference call with season ticket holders on Monday, Grigson reportedly sounded confident that he'd land Heyward-Bey. Now, Grigson likely must look elsewhere.