It certainly appears that wide receiver Chase Claypool has seen his last action in a Chicago Bears uniform, as he’s been sent home and told to stay away from the team.
Poor performance and even poorer work-ethic has derailed Claypool’s once promising football career.
The Bears had been the laughing-stock of the league. That was until they walked into FedEx Field and blew out the Washington Commanders in front of a national audience last night.
Quarterback Justin Fields has played his best football without Claypool on the field … While some Bears have shown public support for Claypool, general manager Ryan Poles all but confirmed prior to last night’s game that Claypool’s time in Chicago is done.
“I think Chase is going to learn from this situation, we all will, and I wish him luck moving forward throughout his career,” Poles said in a pregame interview on ESPN 1000.
— J (@juke1220) October 1, 2023
Poles and the Bears front office will try to trade Claypool and get whatever they can in return.
Since the situation is what it is, Claypool’s value has never been lower. He has Pro Bowl potential, but due to his self-inflicted issues, he has much lower value than he was did.
Having said that, according to Matt Lombardo of FanBuzz, three Super Bowl contenders in particular could be interested in bringing Claypool aboard.
Lombardo reported that an NFC East scout told him: “No one is going to pay a high price for Chase Claypool. I don’t know which teams would even really need him. But, if you look at teams like Philadelphia or Kansas City, maybe even Detroit … Teams making championship runs could view him as a quality backup or depth piece.”
Spoke to an #NFL Scout who suggested a couple contenders who could trade “peanuts” for #Bears WR Chase Claypool | @FanBuzz
MORE: https://t.co/4a5kWmCxbQ pic.twitter.com/augZvlwjj2
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) October 2, 2023
All three of those destinations make sense in theory. After all, all three have extremely strong cultures and locker room leadership.
The coaches and leaders on those teams won’t put up with Claypool’s nonsense for a second … He will have to fall in line, or else.
Considering how little the Bears are expected to receive in a potential trade, taking a shot on Claypool might make sense for those squads, especially Kansas City.
Chase Claypool healthy scratch after 4 catches in 3 games
pic.twitter.com/odyI8BJIhx— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 1, 2023
The 25-year-old Claypool initially made a name for himself in his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording over 50 receptions and 800 receiving yards in both 2020 and 2021.
During the 2020 season, he notched nine touchdowns, showcasing the potential for future stardom.
However, since joining the struggling Bears via trade last year, Claypool’s production has significantly dipped. In 10 games, he has managed just 18 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown.
It’s painfully evident that a fresh start may be what Claypool needs to reignite his career.
One thing all Bears fans can agree on today. Chase Claypool was put in the best position to help the team win. pic.twitter.com/PuUswKZftQ
— Chicago Vince (@ChicagoVince) October 1, 2023
What do you think about the rumor?
Should one of those teams go after Claypool?
Something tells me Patrick Mahomes would love him in Kansas City … After all, the Chiefs love taking other teams’ (talented) headaches (Kadarius Toney).
Where do you think he will end up?
Most importantly, will he ever blossom into the playmaker most thought he’d be?