The Chicago Bears appear to be giving up on former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool. Chase Claypool was a healthy scratch in the Bears’ Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos. The team told Claypool not to attend their home game at Soldier Field.
The Bears announced that Claypool will remain away from the team. The Bears are actively shopping Claypool, hoping for a fifth or sixth-round pick in exchange for the disgruntled wide receiver. Chicago will likely cut Claypool if they cannot find a trade suitor.
Claypool is in the last year of his 4-year, $6,616,625 rookie contract he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Claypool will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season.
The disgruntled Chicago Bears wide receiver played college football for Notre Dame
Claypool committed to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2016. Claypool didn’t receive much playing time his freshman season, recording five receptions for 81 yards. He spent most of his time on special teams, recording 11 special team tackles.
Claypool started most of the games in his sophomore season. Equanimeous St. Brown led the team in receiving. Claypool was second, totaling 29 receptions for 402 yards and two touchdowns. Claypool got extra playing time because Miles Boykin missed time with an injury.
Equanimeous St. Brown declared for the 2018 NFL draft. Miles Boykin was healthy for the 2018 season, meaning he would be the number one wide receiver on the team. Claypool was second on the team in receptions and yards, totaling 50 receptions for 639 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Claypool decided to return for his senior season.
Miles Boykin declared for the 2019 NFL draft, meaning the number one wide receiver spot is Chase Claypool’s. Chase Claypool took advantage of the opportunity, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Claypool recorded 66 receptions for 1,037 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. Claypool would declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Bears wide receiver started his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Chase Claypool in the 2nd Round, 49th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, the 11th wide receiver taken in the draft. Claypool had a solid rookie season, catching 62 of 109 passes for 873 yards and nine receiving touchdowns, and also had ten carries for 16 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Claypool was ranked fourth in targets, receptions, receiving yards and first in receiving touchdowns among rookies.
Ben Roethlisberger played his last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Claypool’s second season. Ben Roethlisberger targeted Claypool the second most on the team. Claypool had another solid season, catching 59 of 105 targets for 860 yards and two touchdowns.
Claypool played eight games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching 32 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown. The Pittsburgh Steelers felt Claypool wasn’t as good as rookie George Pickens, who deserved more targets. The Pittsburgh Steelers dealt Claypool to the Bears in exchange for a 2023 2nd round pick-Joey Porter Jr.
Chase Claypool’s Tenure with the Chicago Bears
Claypool didn’t finish his third season strong, underperforming in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Claypool didn’t get much playing time, representing 48% of offensive snaps. Claypool caught 14 of 29 targets for 140 yards and zero touchdowns.
How will the Chicago Bears handle Chase Claypool?
The Bears improved their receiving core by acquiring DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers. Claypool had a very disappointing training camp. The Bears were upset with Claypool’s lack of effort during the training camp and were involved in many fights. Fans have criticized Claypool’s lack of effort this season. Claypool doesn’t want to play for the Bears.
Chase Claypool has done a poor job for the Bears receiving core. Chicago acquired him to help Justin Fields, not to hurt him. Chicago made a terrible decision in giving up a 2nd round pick for Claypool and is paying the price. The Bears wide receivers will have to count on DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Equanimeous St. Brown as their starting wide receivers.
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