Chase Claypool likely played last game as a Bear after Week 4 benching
The Chicago Bears might have made the worst trade in franchise history in 2022. After ruling wide receiver Chase Claypool as a healthy inactive against the Denver Broncos in Week 4, the plot continues to thicken surrounding the team's late season addition from last year. The Bears traded the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 […]
The Chicago Bears might have made the worst trade in franchise history in 2022.
After ruling wide receiver Chase Claypool as a healthy inactive against the Denver Broncos in Week 4, the plot continues to thicken surrounding the team's late season addition from last year.
The Bears traded the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers back in November in exchange for Claypool and 334 days later, it's being reported that the Bears are interested in moving on from him.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears are actively searching for wide receiver hungry teams that could be interested in trading for Claypool and only looking for a 5th or 6th round pick in return.
All of this news stems after Claypool voiced his frustrations after practice on Friday with how he believes the offensive staff has been using him since he arrived in Chicago. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said after Sunday's loss that designating Claypool as inactive had nothing to do with Friday's comments.
When asked why Claypool did not even attend the game on Sunday, Eberflus danced around the question and finally stated it was a choice made by Claypool.
However, according to a team source in Chicago, Claypool was asked to stay home during the game and state that it was not a choice, despite what Eberflus stated to reporters after the game.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields noted after the loss while speaking with reporters that he wants Claypool to remain with the team going forward despite all the transgressions that have taken place over the weekend.
"Chase is a weapon," Fields said. He's passionate and he just needs to work on his display of his emotions. [Claypool and I] have had multiple conversations about that. But, as far as, do I want him on the team? The answer is yes, of course."
For the time being, Claypool is not expected to return with the team and will not be present at the team facilities this week as the team prepares to face the Washington Commanders on Thursday, confirmed by the team's head coach. This situation seems too far gone to make any amends at this point as the team begins searching for a potential trade partner.
If this is truly the last we hear from Claypool as a Chicago Bear, he will finish his tenure with 18 receptions for 191 yards and 1 touchdown in 10 games played. A final production that the Bears essentially traded a first-round pick for and will receive little in return.
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