Becoming irrelevant in football is one of the fastest ways to end a career. Just five years ago, Chase Claypool was a meaningful playmaker in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. Since then, he has been traded multiple times and was even cut by a team during training camp.
His career after leaving Pittsburgh has clearly declined, and it may be time for him to realize that he will need to actively force his way back into the conversation if he hopes to earn another spot on an NFL roster.
Once general manager Omar Khan traded him to the Chicago Bears, his trajectory began to decline. Claypool failed to meet expectations in Chicago and was eventually dealt to the Miami Dolphins for a late-round draft pick. His time in Miami was brief, and he was last seen in the NFL attempting to make the Buffalo Bills roster in 2024.
Claypool attempted to rebuild his value by hyping himself on social media following a lengthy injury rehabilitation process. However, that effort failed to attract interest from NFL teams, and he remains without another opportunity. With the United Football League returning for another season, he should consider joining the UFL as a path back to relevance.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool could save his football career in UFL
One of the biggest hindrances to Claypool during his time with the Steelers was his mentality. His early success appeared to inflate the young star’s ego to an excessive level. After his first two seasons, in which he produced an impressive 1,733 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, his on-field production sharply declined. Pittsburgh ultimately traded him, and his game never recovered.
While the UFL may seem like a nonnegotiable path for the veteran receiver at this stage of his career, it is a move he should seriously consider.
Claypool is still only 27 years old, and a strong season in spring football could draw the attention of NFL talent evaluators. Now that NFL free agency has already mostly come and gone, many teams will shift their focus to the NFL Draft and potentially the UFL as avenues to round out their rosters ahead of training camp.
Claypool could find a legitimate pathway back to the NFL with a strong showing in the UFL.
Competing against a lower level of talent would allow him to thrive and become a focal point in whichever offense he joins. The UFL has already completed its training camps and roster cutdowns, which could make finding an opening more challenging. Even so, Claypool still possesses enough talent to convince a team to bring him aboard.
Pittsburgh is unlikely to be Claypool’s next stop if he receives another opportunity in the NFL. The Steelers appear committed to moving in a different direction. The UFL represents an ideal landing spot for players in his position who are looking to revive their careers. Still only 27, Claypool could earn another shot at an NFL training camp by showcasing his ability in spring football.