Former Steelers WR Chase Claypool Gets Real About His Failure: “Frustrating For Me”

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted wide receiver Chase Claypool in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Claypool impressed Steelers fans by catching 62 passes for 873 receiving yards and scoring nine touchdowns. He also added two rushing touchdowns, totaling 11 in his first NFL season.

Expectations were high for Claypool after his strong start in Pittsburgh. In his second season, he caught 59 passes for 860 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers traded Claypool in the middle of his third season to the Chicago Bears, ending his time with the Steelers after 39 games.

Since being traded from the Steelers, Claypool has faced significant challenges. He was traded from the Bears to the Miami Dolphins and struggled in Miami. In May of 2024, he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Recently, Claypool spoke with members of the Buffalo media to openly discuss his past difficulties.

"I think it is tough believing the player that you are or can be and falling short, especially over these last two years. It's a tough position because I know there can be times where it's frustrating if I'm not living up to my potential. But if it's frustrating to the outside world, it's even more frustrating for me," Claypool said. "I understand where I should be and I understand that I haven't met those expectations. That's why I work harder and harder and harder every year, so I can meet and exceed those expectations."

After being traded, Claypool made headlines by appearing on the I AM ATHLETE podcast, where he declared himself a top-three wide receiver. 

Since then, he has struggled to even get on the field. It's the harsh reality of the NFL: one season you're the star, and the next, you're bouncing around different teams. Despite his incredible potential, the Steelers seem to have made the right move by parting ways with him when they did.

Since leaving the Steelers, Claypool has appeared in 19 games, recording just 22 receptions for 217 yards and one touchdown. For a former second-round pick who started his career so well, his rapid decline is quite surprising. Now, Claypool enters a new chapter with the Bills, where he has an opportunity to regain momentum in his career.

Claypool will be catching passes from one of the league's top quarterbacks, Josh Allen. He joins a wide receiver group that has become less competitive, giving him a legitimate chance to compete for playing time. The Bills' wide receiver situation is similar to the Steelers': they have talent, but also a lot of depth, with receivers fighting for their opportunities. Claypool is eager and hungry to prove that he still has more to offer in the NFL.

Steelers Revealed Why They Gave Up On Chase Claypool

When the Steelers decided to trade Claypool to the Bears, Mike Tomlin revealed the reasoning behind parting with their former second-round pick.

“It was about draft capital and value for us. The Bears’ second-round pick is something we value. We’re excited about what that brings us.”

Obviously, Tomlin wasn't going to reveal the real reason they wanted to move on from Claypool. However, the value in the Bears' second-round pick certainly played a major factor in the Steelers' decision to trade him. In his first press conference with the Bears, Claypool hinted that he felt he wasn't being utilized correctly in Pittsburgh. It seemed more like Claypool wanted out, and the Steelers were fine with moving on from a player who might have been viewed as a hostage rather than a volunteer.

Claypool's time in Pittsburgh will be remembered as a great start with a disappointing ending. Looking back, it seems the Steelers made a great trade. Claypool is now eager to earn playing time in Buffalo and prove he still belongs in the NFL.

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