The Chicago Bears dropped a bombshell last week when they traded a 2nd round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool. Many inside the Steelers’ locker room were reportedly stunned by the news. They couldn’t understand why a team that is struggling on offense would trade one of its best playmakers. Claypool didn’t get much time to ponder what happened. He was off to Chicago, where he’d have to quickly build a connection with his new quarterback, Justin Fields.
The Bears didn’t waste any time trying to get him involved against the Miami Dolphins. Their way of choice was throwing him multiple quick screens. Results were mixed. One went for one yard, another was dropped, and a third went for 12 yards. While he didn’t get the results he wanted, Claypool sounded thrilled even to get a chance to run those plays. His answer to Adam Jahns of The Athletic illustrated why, perhaps signaling how much he disliked how the Steelers used him in Pittsburgh.
“That was really cool, something that I haven’t really gotten recently,” Claypool said. “I’m usually the guy blocking, so it was really cool to be in the catching position there.”
Chase Claypool has a right to feel upset.
Last season, he made 15 catches that were screens or quick outs meant to get him the ball right away and let him create. He averaged over nine yards per catch on those plays. It was the same during his rookie year in 2020. His ability to run after the catch isn’t talked about enough. Ryan Poles even referenced it when he discussed his reasons for making the trade. Yet, for whatever reason, the Steelers stopped trying to utilize it this year, moving him into the slot and featuring Diontae Johnson and George Pickens on the outside.
There won’t be any such limitations here. The Bears already demonstrated their willingness to use Chase Claypool in ways he feels the most comfortable. It is how offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has operated from the beginning. Work to the player’s strengths. Expect Claypool to operate differently than he did in Pittsburgh. He certainly sounds happy at that prospect.
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