The Pittsburgh Steelers might have a pressing need at their receiver position, but don't expect them to bring back Chase Claypool. Their former second-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft has struggled to stay relevant in the league since Pittsburgh traded him away in 2022. Things have gone from bad to worse for the former budding star playmaker.
Claypool has struggled to find his game since his strong rookie campaign in 2020... and it's not about to get easier in 2025.
The former Steelers receiver just announced his comeback attempt in a recent Instagram post. Claypool remains active on social media, despite that hurting his career in recent years. He talks a big game, but he must back that up with action.
"I am back to being the strongest and fastest I've ever been," he wrote, "And couldn't be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves."
The ex-Steelers receiver suffered an injury that ruined his 2024 campaign. He was on track to make the Buffalo Bills roster, but he couldn't stay healthy. Claypool suffered a toe injury that required surgery. The receiver worked his way back this past year and appears ready to try to make his way back into the NFL ranks. It is unknown if Claypool will find an opportunity at an NFL training camp.
Pittsburgh has an overwhelming need at the receiver position, but they'd be foolish to bring their former top pick back after his past on-field debacles.
Pittsburgh Steelers won't be welcoming receiver Chase Claypool back anytime soon
Reuniting with the Steelers won't be in the cards for Claypool.
General Manager Omar Khan traded him, and the team is making a conscious effort to steer away from similar personalities. Pittsburgh is wise to distance itself from players like Claypool. They need team-first individuals on the roster. Claypool demonstrated that he was more concerned with his stats and showcasing his personality than contributing selflessly to the team.
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With a new bill of health, Claypool hopes that another NFL shot will surface. He is raring to go, but his past toxicity could scare teams. He has the size and talent to be a quality receiver on any roster, but the possible headaches he might cause could be troublesome. There could be an opportunity on the horizon for the former second-rounder, and he's begging for it.
Claypool expressed his desire to return, "I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what's been suppressed these last two years."
Claypool had a magnificent rookie year with the Steelers in 2020, which led many to believe he could be the next franchise receiver. He produced 873 yards and nine touchdowns despite only starting six games. He looked the part, but social media and outside distractions ruined his career in Pittsburgh the following season.
A year and a half after his magical rookie campaign, he was traded to the Chicago Bears.
After 11 months of struggle in Chicago, the Bears called it quits on the receiver and shipped him to the Miami Dolphins. He did almost nothing of note with Miami, and his career was in a tailspin. He joined the Buffalo Bills the following summer but was sidelined last season due to an injury. His time with Buffalo was short, but the former playmaker sang the praises of the franchise.
"Signing with Buffalo was the best thing that could've ever happened to me," Claypool wrote. "I was the strongest, fastest, and most prepared I had ever been. I was playing my best football -- working my way up from LAST (14th) string to taking first-team reps by camp. Most of all, I was doing it with a group of guys I truly appreciated."
It seems the free agent receiver is doing his best campaign to land another opportunity to stick with the Bills. That might be his best shot if he wishes to land an NFL job. He has everything required to accomplish a comeback, but he must prove he has learned from his prior mistakes.
Chase Claypool faces an uphill battle, and it wouldn't shock many to see him join the Canadian Football League if he can't stick on a roster this year.