The Chase Claypool Era in Chicago has been an unmitigated disaster, and a trade is inevitable. Less than a year after giving up the 32nd pick for his services, Claypool has worn out his welcome in the windy city and has been reportedly asked to stay away from team facilities. Needless to say, the Bears won’t come anywhere close to breaking even on a potential trade, but there are a few teams that will likely take a gamble on the physically gifted wideout.
[cta id=4013 type=cta]
5 Teams That Could Trade For Chase Claypool
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes is still one of the top NFL MVP candidates in the league, but he has actually looked like a mortal human being this year. The two-time Super Bowl champion hasn’t been his usual dominant self, and that could be due to the lack of reliable weapons. Travis Kelce is still amazing, but the receiver trio of Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookie Rashee Rice aren’t carrying their weight. A Chase Claypool trade wouldn’t singlehandedly fix everything, but the Chiefs could use someone with his size and speed on the outside.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Why not? Chase Claypool clearly didn’t work out for the Bears, but he looked like a solid wide receiver with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team still needs another wideout, as Diontae Johnson is currently battling injury and George Pickens can’t do it all by himself. Claypool clearly fits Pittsburgh’s scheme, and Mike Tomlin has a long history of getting the most out of talented receivers with questionable work ethics.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans currently find themselves tied for the AFC South lead despite a lackluster passing attack. DeAndre Hopkins is holding up his end of the bargain, but 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks only has six receptions through three games and is already battling injury. Chase Claypool would cost next to nothing on the trade market and would go a long way in helping Ryan Tannehill find someone to throw the ball to. Hopkins will still face the opposing defenses best cornerback, freeing up the equally large Claypool to win contested matchups on the outside.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers currently find themselves between a rock and a hard place. After trading away their 2024 first-round pick and wide receiver D.J. Moore for the right to select Bryce Young, the team is in a bit of a pickle when it comes to adding NFL-caliber talent. Young has not played well through the first month of the season, but it’s hard to blame him for the poor performance when his best receiver is an age-33 Adam Thielen. Seeing as they don’t have the resources to get a proven wide receiver, Carolina might as well explore a Chase Claypool trade and see if they can catch lightning in a bottle.
You’re not gonna catch me jumping ship on this guy. #Panthers have a smorgasbord of concerns – Bryce Young isn’t one imo. pic.twitter.com/WA1Be6rtLe
— Ricky Raines (@rickyboboddy) October 2, 2023
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers lost Mike Williams for the season, which means that they desperately need somebody capable of lining up wide and winning on the outside. Josh Palmer is nothing more than a journeyman starter, and rookie first-round pick Quentin Johnston can’t seem to find his way onto the field. With this in mind, the Chargers make logical sense as a Chase Claypool trade destination. Checking in at 6′-4″ and 238 pounds, Claypool is a natural fit for Williams’ old role and could find success catching passes from an elite quarterback in Justin Herbert.
Universal Responsible Gambling Disclaimer: Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Main Photo: Danny Medley – USA Today Sports
