The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed a trade that will send wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears. Claypool, a former second-round pick in 2020 has had ups and downs with the Steelers during his three-year career.
Comp update: Bears traded a second-round pick for WR Chase Claypool, per source. https://t.co/eH6UEidGh9
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Agree to Chase Claypool Trade
The Steelers had no need to retain Chase Claypool with their abundance of wide receiver talent, and the Bears lacked playmakers. This felt like a trade that was truly win-win for both sides. Claypool never reached his true potential in Pittsburgh, and a change of scenery could reveal the true talent he possesses. An obvious upgrade over the players in Chicago, Claypool was a touchdown machine as a rookie. He recently showed his explosiveness in a week five upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Initially, the Steelers drafted Claypool in the second round as a Height-Weight-Speed prospect out of Notre Dame in 2020. At 6′-4″, Claypool also boasts a 4.42 40-yard dash that is apparent in his play style. Markedly in Week 5 as a rookie, Claypool set a Pittsburgh record by scoring four touchdowns in a game. Claypool finished his rookie season with eleven total touchdowns (nine through the air and two on the ground) and 889 total yards from scrimmage.
Unfortunately for him, Claypool failed to meet expectations in 2021 after being primed for a breakout season. Following some offseason hype, he posted a similar stat line to his rookie season and was made famous for some mental errors. Claypool celebrated a first down catch as time was winding down in their final drive against the Minnesota Vikings. This was after he had received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for punching a defensive back. So far in 2022, Claypool has posted 23 receptions for 225 yards and a single touchdown. His lack of maturity may be the reason Pittsburgh decided to ship him out. Maybe the change of scenery and scheme will help the young wide receiver. Time will tell.
