Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool has already had quite the experience in the NFL. After the team selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he impressed in his rookie season. Despite starting just six games, he was able to rack up 873 receiving yards. Claypool utilized his size to get into the endzone regularly as well, as he caught nine touchdowns.
ESPN
In his second season, he simply didn't show much improvement. Despite starting seven more games, his numbers went down all across the board. Perhaps most notably, teams figured out how to prevent him from getting into the endzone, as he scored just twice in 2021. When JuJu Smith-Schuster went down with a significant shoulder injury, it was expected to be Claypool's time to shine. While offensive coordinator, Matt Canada's flaws and quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger's limitations didn't help the offense by any means, Claypool still took a step back in 2021.
Additionally, many seemingly grew frustrated with his immature antics. No moment was more notable than the team's 2021 Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in which Claypool spent too much time celebrating a first down with under a minute remaining in the game. This all led to rumors of him being available for trade in the off-season and in the months leading up to the regular season. The Notre Dame product didn't have the best start to his third career season either.
Again, he's certainly not benefited from an inept offensive coordinator and a revolving door at quarterback between Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. In Week 6, he showed signs of life. It was the best game of the season for him and one of the better games in his three-year career. While his seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown were significant, it was the way in which he racked up those catches. He helped convert some crucial third-and-long situations, which helped turn the tide in the Steelers picking up their first win since Week 1.
Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky pilots offense in 2nd half vs. Tampa Bay. Photo credit - Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Now, the rumors are back. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned Claypool's name as an obvious fit for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, as they desperately need some wide receiver help. On Wednesday, Dov Kleiman followed it up by saying many NFL executives believe Claypool could still be available via trade.
Multiple NFL executives believe that the #Steelers were willing to trade WR Chase Claypool during pre-season, and he could still be available ahead of the trade deadline, per ESPN. pic.twitter.com/GmvfKZqPO4
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 19, 2022
The trade deadline is now less than two weeks away, as it's on November 1st. The Steelers may be quite active in the trade market, as Mason Rudolph's name has been floated around for months now as well. Fowler highlighted Washington Commanders cornerback, William Jackson III as a fit for the Steelers, as they need some corner help. With injuries throughout the team, a trade wouldn't be too surprising. General manager, Omar Khan will want to avoid a below-.500 season in his first year at the helm.
At this point, Claypool's trade value is unclear. In the off-season, the team's asking price for the talented wideout was quite high. One would have to think nothing has changed there, especially with last week's performance. The breakout game highlighted his potential and just the kind of player he can be if he figures everything out. The Steelers may have been a bit more inclined to give up Claypool if rookie WR Calvin Austin III was further along in his development.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Calvin Austin III (#19) participates during training camp at the team's South Side facility. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
That's not the case though, as Austin has yet to see the field due to a foot injury. It's hard to imagine the team giving up on Claypool at this point in the season, unless they get a really intriguing trade offer.
What would you trade Claypool for? Should the team hold onto him? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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