National media outlet says Steelers player could be a candidate to be traded
Pro Football Network thinks a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver could be a candidate to be traded. Dallas Robinson, an NFL writer for Pro Football Network, thinks Chase Claypool could be dealt by Pittsburgh. From Pro Football Network: Claypool exploded onto the scene with nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020. His receiving totals in 2021 […]
Pro Football Network thinks a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver could be a candidate to be traded.
Dallas Robinson, an NFL writer for Pro Football Network, thinks Chase Claypool could be dealt by Pittsburgh.
Claypool exploded onto the scene with nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020. His receiving totals in 2021 were nearly identical, except for the fact that he scored just twice.
This year, Claypool is on pace for just 439 yards, and he hasn’t yet found the end zone. The Steelers extended Diontae Johnson over the summer and invested second- and fourth-round picks in George Pickens and Calvin Austin III, respectively.
Add it all up, and Pittsburgh could be preparing to move on from Claypool — either immediately via trade, or after 2023 when his contract expires.
This makes a lot of sense and it wouldn't be a surprise to see it happen.
Claypool has already indicated that he thinks he's a top-three wide receiver in the NFL — even though he's not playing like he is. That would indicate that he thinks he deserves a rich contract in the near future.
With George Pickens emerging as a legitimate No. 2 wide receiver for Pittsburgh, I could see the Steelers dealing Claypool for some draft picks. There's certainly no way they're going to give him a mega contract extension.
I don't know how many teams would be interested in Claypool midseason, but a team like the Chicago Bears could stand to add a talented wide receiver. If he's not dealt during the season, I definitely think he's dealt before the 2023 season gets underway.
There's really no reason, however, for Pittsburgh to wait — especially with the season trending in the wrong direction for the Steelers.
Featured image via Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
