Ryan Poles finally gives Bears fans a big reason to be optimistic
For the last 10 months, all we've heard when it comes to the Chicago Bears is that the team is going through a massive rebuild under new general manager Ryan Poles. But mostly all we've seen is a teardown and not any actual building. That changed on Tuesday. After trading Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia […]
For the last 10 months, all we've heard when it comes to the Chicago Bears is that the team is going through a massive rebuild under new general manager Ryan Poles.
But mostly all we've seen is a teardown and not any actual building.
That changed on Tuesday.
After trading Robert Quinn to the Philadelphia Eagles and Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens, Poles finally made a deal to improve the Bears' roster.
According to multiple reports, Chicago traded a second-round pick on Tuesday to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Claypool, who turned 24 earlier this summer, is a former second-round draft selection by the Steelers.
The former Notre Dame standout looked like he was on the verge of superstardom after catching 62 passes for 873 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020.
Claypool put up similar numbers in 2021, catching 59 passes for 860 yards and two touchdowns.
It's been tougher for Claypool to find success this season, catching just 32 passes for 311 yards and one touchdown through the first eight games of the season. Claypool's lack of production this season, however, is mostly because of the disastrous offensive situation in Pittsburgh (the Steelers need to move on from offensive coordinator Matt Canada).
The addition of Claypool instantly gives Bears quarterback Justin Fields a legitimate downfield threat. One of Fields' strengths is the deep ball and one of Claypool's frustrations in Pittsburgh was that the offense wasn't taking enough deep shots down the field.
This should be a win/win situation for both parties.
Claypool is under contract through the 2023 season. I imagine the rest of this season will be a "tryout" for Claypool to see if he fits into the Bears' long-term plans. But considering Chicago gave up a second-round pick to get him, I would bet on the Bears locking Claypool down during the offseason with a contract extension.
This could end up being one of the best in-season trades of the year. And if you're a Bears fan, it has to be nice to see the building phase of the rebuild finally beginning.
Featured image via David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
