News recently surfaced that Chase Claypool, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is once again attempting a comeback. He has not appeared in a game since 2023, though he did try to work his way onto an NFL roster in 2024 with the Buffalo Bills before suffering an injury. Claypool’s career has steadily unraveled since the Steelers traded him to the Chicago Bears in 2022.
Claypool attempted to generate interest last year through a self-produced hype video promoting a potential comeback, but no NFL teams offered him an opportunity at the time.
Now, he has received a new chance. The former Steelers wide receiver has been invited to attend the Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. It is a stark reminder of how far his career has fallen, and a clear example of how Steelers general manager Omar Khan managed to fleece the Bears in the 2022 trade.
For those who may have forgotten, Pittsburgh emerged from the deal with a high second-round draft pick. Claypool’s career quickly unraveled in Chicago, allowing the Steelers to use that selection on Joey Porter Jr. When comparing the two players’ trajectories, the trade looks like an even bigger victory for Omar Khan.
Porter Jr. has developed into one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, while Claypool lasted just 11 months with the Bears.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan robbed the Bears during the infamous Chase Claypool trade
This latest report about Claypool joining the Packers is unlikely to turn into a miraculous comeback story. He has not played in the NFL since 2023, and the likelihood of a return to his dominant rookie form from 2020 appears slim. While he showed flashes of brilliance during his time in Pittsburgh, Steelers general manager Omar Khan clearly recognized the ideal moment to trade him at peak value.
When all is said and done, this could stand as one of the biggest fleeces of Omar Khan’s tenure.
He managed to move a high‑ego wide receiver who was already showing signs of decline after a rapid start to his career, just in the nick of time. In return, the Steelers landed what was essentially a borderline first‑round pick, which they used to select top‑tier cornerback Joey Porter Jr. It is no surprise that Steelers Nation continues to smile whenever this trade is brought up.
Ultimately, this tryout between Green Bay and Claypool is unlikely to result in a long-term opportunity. While he showed some promise during his time at the Bills’ training camp two years ago, an injury ultimately derailed his chances of making the roster. Having been out of football for nearly two years, this could represent his final opportunity to stick in the NFL.
If he fails to earn an opportunity with the Packers at training camp, Claypool should consider turning to the UFL.
The spring football league has proven it can help players get their foot back in the door for another NFL opportunity if they perform well. While it may be something Claypool views as beneath his talent level, the UFL could serve as a valuable platform to redeem himself and generate fresh tape for interested NFL teams.
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