The short-lived tenure with the Chicago Bears for Chase Claypool is something he’s ready to put behind him and start fresh with the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins acquired Claypool from Chicago for a late-round pick swap on Oct. 6. The trade comes after Claypool voiced disappointment and displeasure with the Chicago Bears after he was seeing limited action after appearing in Week 1’s loss against the Green Bay Packers.
Where Claypool fits with the Dolphins
On Wednesday, the media were able to speak to Claypool for the first time. Claypool pointed his frustration towards Chicago at their losing streak.
“I think that when you lose a lot of games in a row, there’s frustration, naturally,” Claypool said via the Miami Herald. “I think that’s new for everybody. I’m sure from the top down. So I think just being excited getting some wins and stuff like that. I think that just comes naturally. And once you start winning, things get less frustrating obviously.”
The Bears tried to make things work with Claypool in regard to building a connection with QB Justin Fields and others on the team, but it ultimately led to the wide receiver saying by Week 4 that he didn’t believe the staff was putting him in the best spot to be the best and have a successful season.
They also spoke to Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman who was asked where he sees Claypool fitting into the team.
“A player like Chase that has a history, you usually have a pretty good notebook on the guy. Then it’s a matter of trying to figure out where and how he may be able to help us. Then that goes into the whole operation of the roster and actives and inactives. We’ll find roles for him if he’s available, because he’s a talented individual. We’re very happy to have him.”
Claypool knows that he’s coming to Miami with the reputation that was basically created with how things ended in Chicago, he wants people to know that he’s a good teammate.
“I think I just (will) be the same person I’ve been in terms of being a teammate,” Claypool said. “I know I’m a good teammate. I don’t have to do anything extra to like – don’t have to do too much to try and prove that. Just be myself, and I’m excited about being around a new group of guys and showing them what I can do.”
The Dolphins’ Offense and Claypool
The Dolphins continue to be one of the best, if not the best team in the NFL and if that is just one reason for Claypool to feel comfortable and be excited to work with the team, then he’s going to have many more reasons to be motivated to do well with them. Miami leads the NFL in points per game (36.2), rushing yards per game (185.8), and passing yards per game (327.8).
The thing about Miami’s offense is that it’s explosive and if Claypool picks up on their playbook, he’ll fit right in.
“Just being a piece in the big puzzle to a lot of moving pieces and trying to make this offense better than it is,” Claypool said. “Anything I can do to that is an awesome opportunity for me, and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
While Mike McDaniel’s offense didn’t necessarily need more help, having a guy like Claypool and his size will be just another weapon in McDaniel’s arsenal.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t been able to talk to Claypool a lot, but from what he’s been able to talk to him about, Tagovailoa is excited to have him on the squad behind him.
“But for the most part, he’s continuing to find ways to get to know the guys in his room, get to know the guys in the locker room, get to know his teammates. It’s just one of those things with him is just taking it one day at a time.”
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