The Steelers made a huge move before the deadline and getting what they got for Claypool is a major win.
It was a quiet morning for the Steelers following their disastrous loss to the Eagles. While many people were hoping for big trades and major firings, the team sat by oddly quiet. Considering just how bad this season seems to be going, many expected sweeping changes. News just broke though, and the Steelers finally made a big move — trading Chase Claypool to the Bears for a second-round pick.
You can have your doubts about the Steelers coaching and the players on the roster, but Omar Khan has been a dynamo since taking over. He has made a bevy of quality moves since being named the general manager, and this is just the latest quality move from the front office. Getting a second-round pick for a player like Claypool is a huge win.
The Steelers got the most for Chase Claypool
It was becoming apparent that Claypool was quietly being phased out of this offense. While he was the starting slot receiver, he was the third fiddle at receiver and was the fourth target when you consider how successful Pat Freiermuth has been. Even with Claypool coming on in recent weeks, his long-term outlook with the team wasn’t good.
Even if Claypool finished out his rookie deal, the odds of him returning a little over a year and a half from now were always unlikely. Trading him is a logical move for a team that needs to rebuild. Sure, getting rid of weapons for Kenny Pickett could be seen as a mistake, but this team has too many holes to fill right now.
The value of Steelers trade return was outstanding
All of this comes before you even consider the pick the Steelers are set to receive. A second-round pick for Claypool is ridiculous at this point. While his rookie season was dynamic, he failed to recapture that spark last year. Even when he had turned this season around, he still was far from an elite weapon for this offense.
The Bears did have two picks, and the fact that they are receiving Chicago’s pick is just the cherry on top. That should easily be a top-40 pick, and it could even crack the top 35. That is almost like getting a first-round pick for Claypool. He has value, sure, but getting that kind of a haul for him is a great value.
Be as critical of the Steelers as you want, but the general manager spot has been spot on this season, adding talent on the cheap and getting great value from Claypool. This is a huge step in getting this team back on the right track next year. The Steelers finally had some positive news come in off this trade announcement.