The Pittsburgh Steelers have been under a lot of media duress lately. They’re 2-4 after sandwiching two wins with a four-game losing streak, they’ve been hit by the injury bug, and now the latest news coming out about them is the potential availability of wide receiver Chase Claypool as a potential trade candidate.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield Photography / SteelerNation.com
These rumors have been swirling since his big-time performance in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Claypool led the team with 7 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown (the team's first touchdown by a receiver this season). He not only led the team but made several clutch catches on third down as well as the touchdown, all of which helped seal the deal for the Steelers who desperately needed a win.
The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and now that he has shown a glimpse of the player we’ve seen he can be, Claypool is the center of trade talks, as his contract year is approaching next season and his future with the team is uncertain. The big question is, should the Steelers include him in their future plans?
Chase Claypool / Photo Credit: Getty Images
There is no right answer, but Claypool has elite physical tools and has flashed them at times. These are intangible things that a team desperately needing a receiver could use. Former Las Vegas Raiders GM and expert draft analyst Mike Mayock weighed in on the situation and how he feels about it on 93.7 The Fan.
"If you put the tape on last week against Tampa Bay and Trubisky is in the game and they have to hold on. The first ball they throw him they get a touchdown to take the lead, and then you’ve got to hold onto the ball with four minutes left," Mayock started.
“The kid made two big time catches on third down. Both of them big time plays. I’m not in that building but what it would come down to for me is on tape I can see the talent, the size, the physical athletic ability. The question that I would have there is what kind of kid is he? How much does he love it? What’s his passion for the game? What’s most important to him in life?”
"If you think this kids going to get over the hump and become a really good player, especially because you got a first-round quarterback, I don’t think you can move him," Mayock finished.
So if the Steelers are listening to Mayock, they need to get down to brass tacks and find out what Claypool is about in the long term. The physical tools have been on display since his first game as a rookie, but the lows have been pretty low as well. Mental mistakes and seemingly catchable balls not being caught have held Claypool back from being considered upper echelon let alone elite.
Steelers May Be Forced To Consider Claypool Trade Based Off Potential Compensation
One thing that also needs to be considered is what the asking price for Claypool could be, and if given the right offer, if the Steelers could refuse. One report recently said that the asking price for Claypool could be similar to that of the haul the Carolina Panthers got for star RB Christian McCaffrey.
#Steelers WR Chase Claypool is a player NFL teams have inquired about. Executives believe he was available for trade during preseason
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 21, 2022
His price would be similar to what the #Panthers got for CMC, a league executive told @BillHuberNFL
Multiple "2nd-round picks, a 3rd and a 5th." pic.twitter.com/15WuDdlZ4q
If this offer was made, it may be hard to turn down. For a guy who might leave next year in free agency, it’s hard to pass up that kind of draft capital, especially when there are currently some talented guys on the roster including Diontae Johnson and George Pickens who were just freshly paid and drafted respectively.
The clock is ticking, and if you are going to move on from Claypool, now would be the time. The Steelers may wait to see how the next two games go before making the call. If they’re competitive and Claypool is a key contributor they may not be so keen to move on from him. If not and the right price comes along, maybe you make a move.
Based on the typical Steelers style I personally don’t believe Claypool will be moved, but with new GM Omar Khan, I’m not ruling anything out. He has already shown an aptitude to be aggressive and not sit back on his heels if he wants to make a move.
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