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Former Controversial Steelers WR Chase Claypool Signs With Bills
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash in the 2020 NFL Draft by selecting wide receiver Chase Claypool in the second round, igniting a wave of excitement among fans eager to witness his potential unfold on the field. Early on, Claypool showcased flashes of brilliance, fueling optimism about his future with the Steelers.

However, as Claypool's tenure progressed, the Steelers became increasingly aware of concerning signs, prompting them to make a pivotal decision. Ultimately, they opted to trade him to the Chicago Bears, a move that raised eyebrows but also brought back a valuable asset—a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, later utilized to select Joey Porter Jr.

On a surprising turn of events, news broke on Friday revealing that the Buffalo Bills had secured Claypool's services, signing him to a one-year deal.

Despite slight anticipation surrounding his arrival in Buffalo, Claypool's recent performance hasn't lived up to the initial hype. In the 2023 season, he managed just eight receptions for a mere 77 receiving yards and one solitary touchdown in 12 games—a stark contrast to the expectations set during his promising debut.

Throughout his four-year NFL journey, Claypool has traversed multiple teams, including stints with the Steelers, Bears, and Miami Dolphins. Despite the turbulence, he has amassed a somewhat respectable career stat line, hauling in 175 receptions for 2,261 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. As Claypool embarks on this new chapter in Buffalo, both fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see if he can recapture the spark that initially captivated Steeler Nation.

Steelers' Chase Claypool Turned Into A Bust Really Fast

Claypool burst onto the scene with the Steelers, showcasing remarkable promise right from the start. In his rookie campaign, he made an indelible mark by hauling in an impressive 62 receptions for 873 yards and a notable nine touchdowns—an extraordinary feat for any first-year player. His exceptional performance ignited fervent optimism among Steelers faithful, who envisioned a future brimming with stardom for the budding wideout.

During his sophomore season in Pittsburgh, Claypool continued to display flashes of brilliance, although his touchdown production dipped to just two scores. Despite this slight downturn, he remained a reliable target, amassing 59 receptions for 860 yards—a testament to his burgeoning talent. Little did fans know, however, that this would mark the zenith of his NFL journey with the Steelers.

Subsequent seasons saw a marked decline in Claypool's productivity, with his playing time becoming increasingly sporadic across various rosters. While the trade initially stunned some Steelers fans, it ultimately proved to be a shrewd move by the front office, demonstrating keen foresight in recognizing potential red flags surrounding Claypool's trajectory. Now, with a fresh start in Buffalo, Claypool faces the daunting task of revitalizing his career, likely relegated to a more limited role as he seeks to reclaim his once-promising trajectory in the NFL.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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