The Pittsburgh Steelers trade of Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears might have been about more than just clearing a path for George Pickens and getting back solid trade value in return. According to CBS NFL insider, Josina Anderson, Claypool had fallen out of favor in the organization. Anderson suggested an alternative motive behind the trade.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Chase Claypool #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to avoid a tackle during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
"From what I am hearing, and have been hearing, the Steelers moved on from what they felt like was somewhat of a distraction behind the scenes," Anderson relayed via Twitter. "I’m told the Claypool move has been on the table 'for at least two weeks' per league source."
Claypool has had his share of issues in Pittsburgh. Last season, he suggested that the Steelers would benefit from loosening up and playing music at practice. He made several questionable plays and cost the Steelers valuable seconds, and possibly a shot at the AFC North title late in the season in what would have been the greatest comeback of Ben Roethlisberger’s storied career.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The enigmatic wide receiver had a checkered career path with the Steelers, but has managed to at least stay out of trouble off the field. In today’s NFL of malcontent diva wide receivers that is not faint praise, he genuinely seems like a fine young man. He sought the off-season counsel of Brandon Marshall and Marshall thought he had turned a corner in his career:
“We were at the Super Bowl. He had his cast on, just had surgery," Marshall said about Claypool. "I walked up to him and was brutally honest with him and said you have huge upside and are super talented, but you need to get your mind right. You have to lean into being a pro. Some guys in the NFL are happy to be here, then there is a bucket of guys who want to be great. Now go back it up.”
Claypool had boasted about being a top three receiver in the league and Ike Taylor, who was a lockdown corner for Pittsburgh for a decade, agreed he had the talent, but not the production. The most frustrating thing about ‘Mapletron’ is that few wide receivers have been blessed with his gifts. He has elite size and great speed, but he also lacks concentration and situational awareness.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (#11) during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park on Oct. 9, 2022. | Steelers.com
When the Steelers played the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, CBS Sports' top NFL team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo called the game and Romo in particular gave voice to the frustration of anyone who roots for the black and gold:
“Chase Claypool, who I think could be a monster,” Romo observed. “Claypool has got all the physical attributes, I just see him not being quarterback-friendly enough times, which hurts the [offensive] play.”
The time he spent in Pittsburgh will be chalked up as a lost opportunity. If he follows in the footsteps of Plaxico Burress, maybe has a fantastic second act in his career. Burress learned the lessons to be great by moving on from the black and gold and maybe Claypool will too. If not, he will go down in a long line of failed experiments with big wide receivers in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are likely to have three picks in the top 50 of the 2023 NFL Draft. If they convert the Claypool trade into a solid starting player, it is a potential win-win scenario for the organization and the player. Hopefully, Omar Khan makes sure the Steelers are in the win column either way.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is it good riddance to a distraction? Or are you sad to see Claypool go? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
