Chase Claypool, once heralded as a promising wide receiver, is now in search of his fifth NFL team in just three years. The former Pittsburgh Steelers standout was released by the Buffalo Bills on Thursday following an injury settlement, as reported by the NFL’s transaction wire. This move came after Claypool was placed on injured reserve due to a toe injury just two days prior.
The Bills had signed Claypool to a one-year contract in May, hoping he could provide depth to their wide receiver corps. Initially, Claypool showed promise, earning some positive feedback during his time with the team. However, his toe injury proved too significant for the Bills to overlook, leading to his releas
Claypool’s career has been a series of setbacks since his standout rookie season. Drafted in the second round in 2020, he made an immediate impact with the Steelers, recording 873 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his first year. However, his second season saw a decline in performance, and by mid-2022, the Steelers decided to trade him to the Chicago Bears.
Unfortunately, Claypool’s time with the Bears turned out to be disastrous. His struggles were so evident that after a particularly poor performance early in the 2023 season, he felt compelled to apologize to the team following the circulation of a lowlight reel. His frustration became more apparent when, after a few mediocre games, he publicly expressed doubt that the Bears were putting him in a position to succeed.
The Bears, clearly disillusioned with Claypool, traded him to the Miami Dolphins for a minimal return after just ten games. However, his time with the Dolphins was equally unremarkable, as he managed only 26 receiving yards over nine games.
Now at 26 years old, Claypool’s stock in the NFL has plummeted. While another team might take a chance on him, as the Bills did, the cost of a roster spot for a player with his recent track record may be difficult to justify. Despite his early potential, Claypool’s career has been marked by unfulfilled promise, leaving his future in the league uncertain.
Chase Claypool’s next move is uncertain, but several scenarios could unfold given his recent history and current situation:
1. **Another NFL Team Takes a Chance**: Despite his struggles, Claypool still has the physical tools that made him a second-round pick. Another team might sign him to a short-term, low-risk deal, hoping to tap into his potential. This could be a team with a need for wide receiver depth or one willing to take on a reclamation project.
2. **Practice Squad Opportunity**: If teams are hesitant to offer Claypool a spot on the active roster due to his recent performance and injury issues, he might have to accept a position on a practice squad. This would allow him to stay in the league, work on his game, and potentially earn a call-up to the main roster if he proves himself.
3. **A Shift to a Different Football League**: If Claypool doesn’t find a suitable opportunity in the NFL, he might consider playing in an alternative league, such as the XFL or CFL. This could give him a chance to rebuild his reputation and demonstrate his abilities in a less pressured environment, with the hope of earning another shot in the NFL later.
4. **Recovery and Free Agency**: Claypool could choose to fully recover from his toe injury before making his next move. He might wait until he’s completely healthy to explore free agency, which could increase his chances of landing with a team that’s willing to give him a fresh start.
5. **Retirement or Career Change**: Though unlikely given his age, Claypool could also contemplate stepping away from football if opportunities dry up. This could lead to a career change, whether within sports (like coaching or media) or outside of it entirely.
In any case, Claypool’s next steps will largely depend on his health, his willingness to adapt, and whether teams believe he can return to his rookie-year form. The coming months will be critical in determining the direction of his professional football career.