Former Playmaker Now Attempting Comeback With Steelers Desperate For WR Talent

A former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver is eyeing an NFL comeback after a post of him running routes on Instagram captioned "lovely to be back" has gained traction. This is his first public football action since 2024, but the receiver still looks like he has a ton left in the tank. The Steelers are thin at receiver and could look to bring the former star back on a cheap deal. 

Chase Claypool was a standout player for the Steelers in his time with the team. In his rookie season, the Notre Dame product had a stat line of 62 catches, 873 receiving yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. Claypool even set a Steelers rookie record for most touchdowns (11) and receptions (62) in a single season. Claypool followed up his impressive rookie season with a solid sophomore season. The receiver posted 59 catches, 860 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. 

His third season in Pittsburgh was met with some distaste as he was seemingly the odd-man-out on a Steelers team that was loaded with receiver talent. He was subsequently traded to the Chicago Bears, where he struggled immensely. Claypool appeared in seven games and only had 14 catches for 140 yards and no touchdowns. He was later released by the Bears the following season. 

Claypool was a fan favorite during his time with the Steelers, even being nicknamed "Mapletron." The Canadian-born receiver emulated a play style similar to that of legendary Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson. Claypool combines his 6'4" frame with a ton of speed that made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. While Claypool's play was underwhelming the last few years, his skill and naturally athletic ability will keep teams interested in an NFL comeback. 

The former Steeler spent time with the Buffalo Bills during training camp in 2024 before suffering a season-ending injury ahead of the season. Claypool hasn't appeared in the NFL since, but looks to be NFL-ready based on his route-running ability in the post. 

Would A Steelers Reunion Work? 

The Steelers are coming off a year where their receivers severely underwhelmed in all facets. There is a level of uncertainty with the group ahead of the 2026 season as the team looks for some help for star receiver DK Metcalf. The team has many holes at the position, as many receivers from last year enter free agency, including the likes of Calvin Austin, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Scotty Miller. The position group gave little help to the offense, especially in the absence of Metcalf, who served a two-game suspension in the wake of an altercation with a fan towards the end of the season. The Steelers look to take an extensive search in free agency and in the NFL Draft to address these concerns, hoping to add youth to the room, along with a serviceable veteran. 

If the Steelers looked to add Claypool, he would add experience to the room. His NFL history could prove to be valuable for a potential young receiver that the Steelers will more than likely add through the draft. Claypool's size would allow him to be a red zone threat for whoever plays quarterback for the Steelers this year. Claypool would likely come on an extremely cheap deal too. The receiver needs to prove that he still has the skills he once had in a Steelers uniform earlier in his career. However, there is no denying that if he could go back to that level, he would be a sure-fire weapon for the Steelers' offense. The Steelers are desperate for offensive weapons, and they may just find one in a reunion with Claypool.

What do you think? Should the Steelers give Claypool another shot? Should they target another receiver in free agency? Tell us what you think below!

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