It was finally announced that the Pittsburgh Steelers traded their 2020 second-round pick, Chase Claypool, to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. Claypool, although extremely talented, has yet to find his groove in the Matt Canada offense and has had a disappointing first three seasons in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (#11) during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park on Oct. 9, 2022. | Photo Credit: Steelers.com
Did the Steelers Win or Lose the Trade?
At first glance, the trade looks to be a win-win for both sides. The Bears are looking for weapons and additional help for second-year quarterback Justin Fields, and the Steelers are looking to finally accept the fact it is time for a full rebuild. After conflicting reports, it has been confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that the Steelers do in fact receive the Bears' second-round pick.
The #Steelers are receiving the #Bears original second-round pick for Chase Claypool, source said. Not the pick the #Ravens pick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2022
It was originally reported that the Steelers would receive the Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick (the pick that the Bears received in return for pass rusher Roquan Smith). So if the season were to end today, the Steelers would have three of the first 45 picks in the 2023 draft and that is significant if they want to expedite the rebuild process.
I believe this trade was good for Claypool as well. As the offensive struggles continue in Pittsburgh under Canada, it was obvious that Claypool was becoming vocal and frustrated with the playcalling. They simply were not using Claypool the way they should have schematically and it was best to send him elsewhere.
Chase Claypool (11) scores the first touchdown by a wide receiver in 2022 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo Credit: Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
I also don't believe it was in the front office's long-term plans to re-sign Claypool to a second contract. With Claypool's lack of production and the Steelers' ability to draft receivers, they could afford to let Claypool walk after next season. In recent weeks, it has been clear that they want to expand the role of rookie wide receiver George Pickens.
Pickens has become one of Kenny Pickett's favorite targets over recent weeks and the two connected for their first touchdown in the Steelers Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
What Will The Steelers Do With Their Newly-Acquired Second-Round Pick?
As stated before, if the season were to end today the Steelers would have three picks in the top 45. This couldn't come at a better time due to so many needs on both sides of the ball. I am a big believer that the Steelers will address their offensive line at some point within the first two rounds of the draft. Along with the offensive line, they have dire needs at the defensive line, cornerback and linebacker.
I believe that if Pittsburgh finishes the season with one of the top three picks, it would be possible to see them trade that pick away and move back a few spots in order to gain more draft capital. It is no secret that the quarterback talent in next year's draft is stout and there are many teams that will be looking to make a move and get into position to draft one of these quarterbacks.
This bodes well for the Steelers, and I believe they will be in a position to trade out of the top five and still be in a spot to draft University of Alabama linebacker Will Anderson. If the Steelers are able to draft Anderson in the first round, I believe it is inevitable that they will look to boost both the offensive and defensive lines with their next two picks, one of which could still be in the first round if they do in fact trade back.
The Claypool trade sets the Steelers up to have a significant first two days in the 2023 draft and it will be interesting to see if they can add more draft capital before the end of the trade deadline.
Are you happy with the trade? What would you have changed if you were the general manager? Tell us what you think in the comment section below or on my Twitter @collinlschmitt.
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