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The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. The enigmatic wideout was the subject of heated trade rumors for the past two weeks and most thought that the Green Bay Packers had the inside track for his talents. Josina Anderson who has been touting the potential trade on Twitter as likely to happen took to social media shortly after the trade news broke.
Photo Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
“There was a lot of chatter on the Steelers potentially trading Chase Claypool, Anderson tweeted. “As this move was authorized weeks ago. The internal impression is that Claypool felt he’s a number 1 talent while the Steelers felt ready to give George Pickens an expanded role.”
George Pickens has impressed observers and coaches since the moment he stepped onto a practice field. The rookie wide receiver has made some spectacular catches but has been suffocated by Matt Canada’s playcalling and the Pittsburgh quarterbacks seemingly forgetting he is on the field for long stretches. Pickens will get the opportunity to further cement his status as a star receiver with the departure of Claypool.
As of 8am this morning I'm told "it was looking like Green Bay was potentially going to offer the best deal for Chase (Claypool)," per league source. Obviously the #Bears have swooped in and nabbed the #Steelers WR.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2022
Green Bay Packers fans are probably livid that the Steelers accepted Chicago’s bid especially when the team is below .500. Omar Khan bet that the Bears with Claypool will not be better than the Packers would have been with the former Notre Dame Fighting Irishman. It is likely that the Packers could have sweetened the deal to get Claypool but decided one second-round pick was enough for them to offer.
Anderson, who was formerly with ESPN and now works for CBS Sports as an NFL insider, shared some insight into the trade. A source within the organization shared with the CrewNYC host the decision was made, it was just a matter of shopping the deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver, George Pickens (#14) makes an extraordinary catch against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sept. 22, 2022. | Photo Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Claypool has immense natural talent and Pittsburgh moving on could be the best thing for him long term. The Steelers inherit the Bears' second-round pick and if they continue to struggle could benefit greatly from getting three key pieces in the top 40 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft. Khan is embracing the rebuild of the black and gold for the first time in decades by stockpiling picks for his first draft.
Told ya'll. As of this morning it was looking like Chase was a Packer, as reported....that's why 'finalizing' and 'closing in on' 'working on' ain't officially final! https://t.co/7GYwDLXJmx
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2022
Pittsburgh closed the best deal possible and looked out for the former second-round pick at the same time. Aaron Rodgers is a much more talented quarterback than Justin Fields, but the Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool tandem is intriguing. Three young players who can develop together. Rodgers might have gotten Claypool a bigger paycheck, but Fields might give the young receiver a long career as his favorite target.
Steelers Chase Claypool (11) celebrates first down catch with under a minute to play against the Minnesota Vikings. Photo Credit: ESPN Monday Night Football
The Steelers have struggled with Claypool’s mental lapses, like the one in Minnesota last season when they were driving for a miracle comeback, and he cost them at least one extra play to complete the drive. They have also had to endure his clumsy play and inability to stay on his feet. He had a sensational rookie season, but his play has been inconsistent since then. He tried to take on a leadership role in the receiving room but ultimately fell short in the role.
The Pittsburgh Claypool era will be a big what if, like Martavis Bryant and Plaxico Burress he flashed big potential then fizzled in the black and gold. He is young and other than mental lapses on the field, seems to be a genuinely good guy off the field. Steelers fans should wish him well, but no tears should be shed.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you happy with the deal for a second-round pick? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
