After dangling Chase Claypool in trades this offseason, the Steelers will indeed move on from the former second-round pick. They reached an agreement to send Claypool to the Bears, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.
The Bears are paying up to see how Claypool will look in their offense, with Adam Schefter of ESPN.com adding Chicago will send Pittsburgh a second-round pick (Twitter link). Teams had heard Claypool was available for a third-rounder, per Albert Breer of SI.com, but multiple offers may have come in, as the Bears will part with a future second.
This trade transpired quickly, with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac adding the Bears called on Claypool on Thursday morning (Twitter link). The Steelers will likely receive the higher of the Bears’ two 2023 second-rounders, noting (via Twitter) that Chicago’s original Round 2 choice (not the Baltimore pick obtained for Roquan Smith) will go to Pittsburgh.
While Chicago has made two major seller’s trades over the past several days, the rebuilding team will have Claypool under contract beyond 2022. The big-bodied wide receiver’s rookie deal runs through 2023, giving the Bears a season and a half of potential evaluation time. The Bears let Allen Robinson walk this year and brought in a host of midlevel veteran options — trade acquisition N’Keal Harry among them — but Dan Graziano of ESPN.com adds the team had been searching for another wideout to work with Justin Fields (Twitter link).
Pittsburgh will move on from the Notre Dame alum, a move that is set to make second-round rookie George Pickens the team’s top complementary wideout. The Steelers have Pickens signed through 2025 and the recently extended Diontae Johnson locked down through 2024. These two will be the main pieces fostering Kenny Pickett‘s development, until the next Day 2 Steelers wideout arrives of course.
The Steelers added Day 2 receiving talent in 2017 (JuJu Smith-Schuster), 2018 (James Washington), 2019 (Johnson), 2020 (Claypool) and 2022 (Pickens). The organization has an extensive track record of finding and developing receivers, so collecting another asset for one not in the long-term plan makes sense. The Bears will pair Claypool with Darnell Mooney, whose rookie contract also runs through 2023.
At 6-foot-4, 238 pounds, Claypool is one of the biggest receivers in NFL history. He showed bright flashes as a Steeler, having exceeded 800 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, but has also been inconsistent. The Canadian pass catcher came through for the team during its upset win over the Buccaneers, catching a go-ahead touchdown pass and multiple third-down tosses from Mitch Trubisky earlier this month. Through seven games, Claypool sits at 32 catches for 311 yards and one score.
This move stands to equip Fields with a 24-year-old No. 2 wideout. Chicago’s receiver strategy this offseason proved interesting, with Fields not exactly being set up with talent the way other young quarterbacks were. Third-round pick Velus Jones has three catches thus far this season, and the rest of Chicago’s receiving corps — Harry, Equanimeous St. Brown, Byron Pringle, Dante Pettis— consists of veteran retreads. In terms of additional draft capital, the Bears still have the extra fifth-round pick from the Smith trade, the 2023 fourth-rounder they acquired from the Eagles for Robert Quinn and 2023 sixth they grabbed from the Chargers for Khalil Mack.
Would’ve rather kept him over Diontae. I know Claypool gets a lot of hate, but he is a gifted wideout. I’d like to see him in a competent offense
No chance lol Diontae is MILES better than Claypool. Off the line, with the ball in his hands, around the sidelines, on 50/50 balls. Every asset of his game is better than Claypool
He’s never on the same page as the qb and he’s more expensive. Diontae is better, but I like claypools value more
There’s not much value there I don’t see it for a second. Unless we value a guy stating he’s top 3 when he’s not been top 3 production on his own team… Headcase, good riddance.
Also, being cheaper doesn’t make you more valuable. Pickett is cheaper than Mahomes, and not a sober person in America would take the PickMaster I mean Pickett over Mahomes
Lol
Claypool had better hands. DJ had a lot of dropped passes. I think Claypool can throw the ball better too when needed.
Are you telling me the F’n Packers couldn’t flip a 2 for Claypool?! Even if the had to add a 5th to sweeten the pot. Rodgers brilliance has been wasted for over decade due to inept front offices.
I couldn’t agree more.
Wonder how much Rogers 151 million dollar contract hole has to do with who they go after and what they can afford?
Claypool is still on his rookie deal thru 2023. They coulda easily fit that in.
We are going to trade for AJ Green & Bring up Travis Fulgham. We are set! packers front office sucks!
And to see a division rival land him has to sting twice as badly.
Considering it’s their second miss on him, at least they can say that they’re consistent.
I love the Bears got him!
The incompetence of the Packers FO has been masked by Aaron Rodgers’s play for about a decade now.
Hopefully the Bears only gave up the 2nd rounder they received yesterday from Baltimore, instead of giving up their own.
Or a future round 2
It’s not their 2nd, it’s the one they got from Baltimore. A good deal for a stud WR still on his rookie deal and definitely an area of need. If he doesn’t perform they can let him walk after NEXT season without hurting their cap. They still have well over 100 mil in cap space for next year and they still have 8 picks in next year’s draft assuming they make no more deals. I know there was a bidding war for Claypool but I’m shocked a contender didn’t swoop in and get him.
Looks like it is the Bears’ 2nd
Yeah, I’ve read conflicting reports on that. Either way, good get for Chicago. They desperately needed a young weapon for Fields.
The defense is bad but they have made strides on the O side. 29 points against a strong Cowboy defense is good news. Poles said from the start it was gonna take time and it wouldn’t be a quick fix. Clay pool gives them someone on the other side of Mooney. They got a little better today. Maybe more than a little.
I don’t think anyone wanted to go higher than a 3rd. And the Steelers prolly didn’t want a low 3rd coming from a contender. So I think it was smart move by the Bears to, “over pay” and some will say, to get him. Basically you traded half a year of Roquan for 1.5 years of Claypool and a 5th.
I’m not positive the Steeler’s made the right choice taking the Bears pick over the Packers. The Bears don’t have an intimidating schedule left and the Packers are a hot mess right now. Sure the odds are that MAYBE you would expect the Packers to finish better, But if Rodgers keeps acting stupid and tears his own team down anymore it could all fall apart. What if Lafleur gets tired of it and decides to see what Love can do? They are already 4 games behind the Vikings and maybe the best thing to do would be to see what the future may bring. Just spitballing here.
Define stud receiver? He has 300 yards, never eclipsed 1000, and has barely seen the end zone since his rookie season… (where 70% of his TDs were rushing jet sweeps anyways LOL)
Just don’t like this move for the Steelers
Seems premature to give up on a clearly talented dude still on his rookie deal thru next season.
What is bad about trading a declining wideout who’s gotten worse year after year for a draft pick in the same round he was drafted in? Win Win for the Steelers, simple.
Declining QB play = Declining WR results
He’s a headcase not worth a dime. He’s never done anything spectacular, and has been overrated since day 1. Doesn’t matter if you’re 6’4″ and run a 4.4 forty, if you can’t catch the ball you aren’t a receiver. Ex: John Ross, Marquise Goodwin, Tavon Austin, the list goes on. The Steelers brass is claiming Pickett is the future, so shouldn’t Claypool be thriving?
None of those guys you listed are close to 6’4″ though. Might want to think of better examples ala Terrell Prior. BTW claiming Pickett is the future doesn’t mean he is the present or that even good receivers are going to be thriving.
Honestly given that this season is basically already a lost cause, I’m on board with the team working to build for the future. Personally I’d trade one of Trubisky or Rudolph for whatever you can get too. If they’re gonna roll with Pickett the rest of the year they don’t need two capable backups in a season where the playoffs are highly unlikely. The team is in position to draft in the top 10 for the first time since they took Plaxico Burress, I’m all for adding even more draft capital to restock the roster that has deficiencies pretty much across the board.
Don’t let the door hit you in the behind. His effort was anywhere from inconsistent to nonexistent. If he puts it all together for Bears, good for him. I was just tired of him getting out-worked for every contested ball.
Steelers collecting those oline picks. Much needed.
Well they need at least two o-linemen, an interior d lineman, linebacker depth both inside and outside, multiple corners and a safety. Can probably add wideout to that list too but capable wideouts are becoming a dime a dozen anymore. Keep the pick accumulation coming.
Don’t forget punter
To my eye, they’ve ruined Najee. Watch his highlights at Alabama and compare. He was never the tentative, dance-first back that he’s become and one can only think that getting smashed every time he got the ball last year—at or behind the line of scrimmage-made the guy gun shy, if nothing else
Now they’re working the same magic with a rookie QB. Incredible
There’s no reason to have high caliber offensive players if your line is consistently pushed backwards.
And I won’t even discuss the defense
I think the foot injury Najee had in training camp was more serious than thought. Not in terms of the severity of the injury but in terms of the impact it has on his game. Even if he makes a good, quick decision it doesn’t look like he has the plant and burst ability to hit the (nonexistant) hole like he did last year.
FINALLY! He couldn’t catch a damn cold. Dude is awful, and a headcase.
But is he a headcase?
‘I’m a top 3 receiver’ when he barely is top 3 on his own team
Claypool obviously has maturity issues. They are going nowhere this year or next so why let him walk after next year? They have a lot of pressing needs that the extra second round pick can help to fill.
Claypool gotta be hating life. First he has an aging Roethlisberger, then he has Trubisky and then Pickett with an OC that is horrible. He finally gets traded to a team that allows their quarterback to throw about 20 passes a game and who looks to run right away. Fields is terrible
Fields getting better ever week
There is still potential in Fields verses thinking Trubisky or tiny hands Pickett is your future.
Oh deerhunter, sounding a bit whiny. Kind of sounds like you might hate that the steelers traded Claypool. I can’t imagine you really think Kenny is a better QB than Fields. Terrible take!
I think Pickett has more upside than Fields. Fields looks to run which means he doesn’t trust what he sees. He’s not going through his progressions. Pickett is a turnover machine but he should reduce those with more experience. Pickett reminds me of Andy Dalton
Pickett definitely does not have more upside, I swear, Steelers fans.
Of course Pickett does. Fields went to Ohio State. Enough said
Here’s hoping literally every Steeler is available for trade. Blow up the entire roster
When you have multiple players discussing the lack of discipline in post game interviews, when lack of preparation and study are issues-that’s on the coaching staff
I was a Tomlin supporter but he’s clearly lost control here
And I have to ask—-why did they sign Diontae Johnson to a big contract? If anyone should have been gone, it was him
Worst Steelers team I’ve seen since I was a kid—in ‘70 or so. But the attitudes, apathy? Blow up this team
107/1161/10.9/8
That’s why they signed Diontae.
32/311/9.7/1
That’s why they traded Claypool.
One of these guys is a pro bowler, 1,000 Yard receiver who works his ass off. The other is a prima donna who gets on tik tok and tells Brandon Marshall he’s a top 3 receiver when he hasn’t been top 3 in his entire life.
First off, I’m no fan of Claypool. Good riddance. And while your stats are meant to elicit some thought that he’s an elite receiver, sorry, not buying
Inconsistent with far too many drops and has this propensity to pout
The extension wasn’t necessary
He’s more elite than Claypool could ever dream of. Also I didn’t say he was elite to begin with, I said he was a pro bowler, and works his butt off in the offseason. I just would love to know what constitutes a dropped pass, is it the ones Pickett throws 10 feet over the heads of the receivers? Or is a drop when he throws into triple coverage for an interception?
Here’s a link for you, he’s not even top 32 in drops. But lets continue to push that narrative….
link to scores.nbcsports.com
First off, they’re two different kinds of receivers and Claypool is a physical beast who is a match up problem for most DBs in the league. Your crystal ball says he will never be elite but if he ever gets his head straight, who knows?
Secondly, Johnson has had the tag of being inconsistent since he got here. I hadn’t seen Roethlisberger throw manu “over his head” nor have I seen it with Trubisky or Pickett. And it’s good that he worked his butt off in the off-season. Nice contract extension he got for it. He’s a talented guy. He made the Pro Bowl last year. Hopefully he’ll progress.
He’s also had the tag of pouting while here. Maybe that’s another narrative that’s simply an urban legend.
If he was a ‘physical beast’ he’d win some one on ones. He doesn’t EVER. He’s not DK, he’s not megatron, he’s not good.
Well I’ll take Claypool over the ex Bears you have in Trubisky and Daniels. Have fun with that. Doubt that the Bears would get a better WR in the 2nd round than Claypool. Now Getsy has to find a way to get him the ball.
Mike, those are just two pieces of deadwood. This team is loaded with it.
I’m not a fan of Marshall but to say he was never a top 3 WR in the league is a bit silly. People seem to forget how dominant he was for good stretch.
Read it again, CLAYPOOL said he’s top 3, not Marshall.
Ummm, yep read it again and you still said Marshall wasn’t a top 3 WR ever in his career…and again you’re still wrong
You idiots really can’t read. And, I’m not wrong. Never have been once in my life buddy
Wow, you are shot. You’re not good at life huh? Just a failure. Maybe try being better yeah!!
Yessir I’m shot and a failure and you can totally tell that over a comment board on a football website. Clown.
I agree but I’m also optimistic about the future. The 80s were terrible after the success in the 70s but the early 90s teams were really good even if they never won a super bowl. Then the team was pretty bad at the end of the 90s and early 2000s but quickly turned that into a super bowl contending team. This downturn won’t last too long and ultimately the fact that in about 50 years there’s only been about 15 truly bad years is pretty incredible. This ain’t the Pirates were talking about, things will get better.
The Bears don’t have their 6th rd. pick next year having traded it for 2 7th rd picks in 2022 for Elijah Hicks and the Punter. Would of been better if they would of traded Baltimore’s 2nd rounder instead of their own. But help is help. With Mooney, Harry, Claypool and Jones WR doesn’t look so bleak next year.
Sorry. Pace( The gift that keeps on giving), Traded the Bears 2023 6th rounder to the Dolphins for Jakeem Grant, Because you know that was the Bears biggest need at the time( Really?) . Then, Poles got the Chargers 6th rounder in 2023 for Mack. Which he then traded back to them for the 2 7th rounders they had in 2022. That he used on Gill and Hicks. My bad. Long story short, They don’t have a 6th round pick in 2023. Yet.
At the end of the day, does Claypool have more potential and talent then what they would have drafted as a WR in the 2023 2nd round.
As a Bears fan, I don’t understand this. Why would you trade a pick for a WR now??Unless you intend to win a Super Bowl during Claypool’s tenure, Poles should be fired already. There’s no middle ground. It’s a just a step toward mediocre again and to sell tickets. The McCaskeys need to hurry up and die.
The WR group needed an upgrade and the WR free agents next offseason is thin. I don’t love or hate the trade though.
Poles should be fired?? Such a dumb comment. Poles has done what was needed and finally have someone that does what’s needed and not worrying about feelings. Poles has set the bears up to turn things around very quickly with the cap space and picks in the off-season. Might actually be competitive next year because of Poles. Claypool will help fields this year and next. If all goes well, you can sign Chase, that’s an option just in case you weren’t aware.
Wow if only you could be the Bears GM and also you are a garbage human.
I’d say Pringle should pack his bags but since he can’t drive you’d have to take him to the airport to get rid of him. You can’t judge the FA WR crop next year yet until all the teams do their annual salary purges. Quite a few will become available.
I like this move for the Steelers. O Line needs to be the priority in the draft and now the club has 3 of the top 40ish picks to address it.
Steelers draft WR well in the later rounds.
I’m amazed the Steelers were able to recoup a 2nd for Claypool. And if it’s the Bears’ 2nd and not the one they got from Baltimore I’m even more impressed. This is more value than getting a compensatory pick for him and I believe it will help reset the locker room culture a bit in Pittsburgh as well. That 2nd will now add an additional quality player to next years team, or can be packed to jump back into the late 1st for an extra year of control on a guy. Here’s rooting for a top 3-5 pick that can be flipped to a QB desperate team for even more assets, and multiple OL/DL draft selections.
I’m hoping for a top 5 pick and a run on qbs for the first three picks so the Steelers can grab Jalen Carter from Georgia to be Casey Hampton 2.0.
I’d prefer Will Anderson if they keep the pick, but Carter would be nice as well. If the pick is top 3 though, this is the opportunity to get an extra 1st for the future (if not multiple 1sts). Drop back to around 10, take an OT, and gather capital for the continued rebuild that has to take place. If Pickett has proven by the end of next year that he isn’t the guy, then the Steelers would have multiple 1sts to get the next answer at QB. I truly believe Pickett will work out based on what I’ve seen, but if I have the chance to jump start an accumulation of top talent, I’d take it.
Do the Bears actually think this guy has more potential that any college prospects that will be available on day two of the draft? If that’s the case, they might want to make some changes in their scouting department.
WR’s usually take longer to develop. The Pro passing game is much more complex and they’re asked to do so much more than in college. Pro offenses often rely on the WR being able to read the defense just as much as the QB and change their routes accordingly. It’s why you see some of those horrible QB throws to nobody but the other team when the guy runs the wrong way. I doubt the Bears would get a Pro ready WR in the 2nd round in any year like Claypool. That being said the 2 positions the Bears need help most at are WR and LT. Those are positions that can be addressed pretty easily usually in FA and Poles has tons of cash. Case in point how the Packers tried to plug and play rookies with Rodgers. Been a real disaster so far.
Perhaps the Bears are just too terrified of having another Kevin White disaster.
He has a ton of potential and while maybe not as much unrealized potential as a lot of the guys coming out of the draft because of his age, his bust factor is way lower as we already now his floor. There is a ton of value in that. At a minimum he is a 800-900 yard guy with more potential than that. This Rookie wr class is also full of question marks.
Regardless how it plays out (I mean if Claypool could really help a team like the Bears, why is he not in Pittsburgh still who basically have the same issues/team the Bears do), ballsy move by Poles here, did not see this coming..
The real question that needs to be asked is, Was it smart for Poles to trade that valuable 2nd round pick for a WR that he probably could of signed for just money next off season? The WR’s you can get in FA are usually older and more expensive so the risk/reward for a young one must have been more appealing. With Harry, Claypool, Leatherwood etc., Poles is taking chances on decent young talent that he hopes they can work with. I still think the Bears have talent on the Oline where nobody else does. Leatherwood, Borom and Jenkins are maulers and you just need to figure out how they fit together. That 2nd round pick could have turned into the best C in next years draft so the price was high for a WR, But I still think Poles can trade down next year and get more picks. I think most of the FA money should be spent on the Defense. I’m still not sold on Alan Williams as the DC. Although he does seem to make adjustments well and they do need some DT’s and LB’s badly now.
Vince McMahon can figure out how to use those maulers but they are just low cost placeholders that won’t be particularly hard to replace.