The Pittsburgh Steelers' talented pass catcher probably doesn’t need to worry for now about the speculation he could be finding a new home before the NFL’s trade deadline on Nov. 1st. The 24-year-old receiver doesn’t seem phased by any of the rumors either.
Steelers receiver Chase Claypool needs to step up if the Steelers want a chance. Photo Erik Drost, Wikimedia Commons
“No, I never talk to anyone about it,” Claypool said when asked if he pays attention to the trade rumors or has talked to anyone about it, by Josh Rowntree of 93.7 the Fan. “I just come in here every day.”
Just asked Chase Claypool about his name coming up in recent trade rumors. #Steelers @937theFan pic.twitter.com/GRlHo4JZuj
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) October 27, 2022
The third-year receiver finds it easy to avoid the rumors by not going on Twitter, he said on Thursday.
Chase Claypool said he's avoided trade speculation/ rumors. How? "It’s pretty easy. I just don’t go on Twitter."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 27, 2022
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio thinks the talented receiver will be finding a new address someday, but it’s not likely the team will be moving him before this deadline when he makes just $1.8 and $2.1 million against the cap per Sportrac.com for this year and next year.
“Here’s the basic reality. If the Steelers have decided that they won’t be paying Claypool market value or close to it, what’s the rush in trading him? If the compensation will come in the form of 2023 draft picks, the Steelers can trade him in March and get the same deal — and they get to use him for the balance of the season,” Florio wrote.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly, who covers the team for The Athletic, wrote he doesn’t see much sense in moving Claypool unless the offer blows them away. So, the Notre Dame product will probably stay in black and gold.
“He is under contract for the next 27 games at a reasonable price. If you feel like you want to move him, the off-season would be a place where it could bring much more of a return,” he wrote in his mailbag column.
The 6 foot 4, 238 lbs receiver's name has been linked to the wide receiver needy Green Bay Packers by Michael Balko, a sports journalist, and podcast host. He also speculated they would be looking for a high price in a trade for the Abbotsford, British Colombia native.
Another team in the conversation of acquiring the two-time 800-yard receiver is the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Focus advocated it would be the ideal landing spot for him.
Claypool has struggled to live up to the expectations Steeler Nation had for him after his 11 total touchdown rookie season. He found the endzone just twice in his sophomore year.
Steelers Path Forward With Claypool
Eventually, though as the team most often does, they will replace a receiver needing a new contract they don’t want to pay with a player on a rookie contract.
Despite being the second-most targeted receiver for Pittsburgh this season behind Diontae Johnson, Claypool is third in receptions and fourth in yards. His yards per game sits at 38 through seven weeks, and if it continues will be the lowest in his career after posting 50 plus in his first two years.
He expressed frustration with the team's offensive game plan after the sluggish start.
He also has his moments. He made a spectacular redzone catch in the team's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He’s scored the first of the Steelers' two touchdowns by wideouts hauling in a 6-yard pass from Mitch Trubisky in the Steelers' 20-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also led the team in receiving yards with 96 that week.
So, Steeler Nation, how do you feel about the Claypool’s play so far this season? Do you think the Steelers will move Claypool at the deadline? Would you wait until the draft? Do you see him sticking around with the Steelers beyond his rookie deal? As always, let us know in the comments or on our social media feeds.
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