The rumors have been swirling around Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool and his availability in terms of trade, in lieu of the November first trade deadline. Some reports have mentioned he is not on the block while others have said teams are aggressively pursuing the Notre Dame alum. He has 28 receptions for 266 yards, a touchdown and an incredible amount of potential. According to Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus, the wide receiver being dealt to the Tennessee Titans makes the most sense for both parties.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Chase Claypool #11 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to avoid a tackle during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo Credit: by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
The Steelers are 2-5 and based on the current state of the organization they are unlikely to sign Claypool to a second contract. While he had a great rookie year, the wide receiver has not proven himself to be a franchise cornerstone. His value as a young player with potential may never be higher. It is very likely that he is wearing a different uniform after his original contract expires following the 2023 season and Pittsburgh needs to consider the possible his possible return.
Renner acknowledged the hype around Claypool jumping ship and believes that with the potential emergence of a rookie second-round pick, George Pickens, the third-year pass-catcher may be better off as a part of another organization.
"Claypool has reportedly been at the center of trade talks for the Steelers following their 2-5 start. He’s fallen out of favor a touch with the emergence of rookie George Pickens," Renner said. "With a year and a half left on his rookie contract, Claypool could still fetch a hefty deal on the open market."
The young wide receiver took the city of Pittsburgh by storm in his rookie year after scoring 11 total touchdowns but has since not lived up to the hype. Is it time for the front office to realize that the Steelers organization doesn't have the financial capability to retain Claypool next year? Tennessee could supposedly use a pass catcher who isn't a big cap hit and can fit their offensive needs.
Renner loves the idea of Claypool being dished to the Titans because of the injury to Treylon Burks and the desperation of one of the only offenses that have been statistically just as bad as the Steelers. The question is if the front office in Tennessee is willing to give up, what Khan may potentially ask for?
Omar Khan is introduced as the Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager at a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 27, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
"At 6'4" and 238 pounds, Claypool also fits the ethos of the Titans' offense. He’s a big-bodied, big catch-radius receiver who can work the middle of the field while also stretching the field. That's what Tennessee hoped Treylon Burks could be out the gate, but the rookie has taken a while to get going," Renner said.
Chase Claypool (11) scores the first touchdown by a wide receiver in 2022 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo Credit: Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers)
As far as what the writer believes Pittsburgh deserves for the young receiver, Renner thinks a trade could warrant a second-round pick in 2023 and a third the following year in 2023. If the front office doesn't see Claypool hanging around deeper than his rookie agreement then this may absolutely be something to consider if you are General Manager, Omar Khan. A Super Bowl is unlikely for the next two years so it might be wise to build draft capital while it is readily available.
Would you accept a second and third-round pick for Claypool? Let us know in the comments below!
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