After a nine touchdown, 873 yard rookie campaign it appeared as if Chase Claypool was ready to breakout as a wide receiver mainstay in this league for years to come. He followed that season up with a second consecutive 800 yard year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But after the Steelers traded Claypool for a second round pick in year three, he was never the same.
Claypool then hopped around to four different teams in two years. He did a stint with the Chicago Bears, was eventually traded to the Miami Dolphins where he caught just four balls in nine games, and was cut and signed by the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills were the final destination in his short lived NFL career, he never played a game at Highmark Stadium as a torn ligament in his foot kept him sidelined for all of 2024. But now the receiver says he is ready for a comeback.
“I tore a ligament and a tendon in my second toe and have been rehabbing, working out, and recovering every day for the past year,” Claypool posted on Instagram. “I am back to being the strongest and fastest I’ve ever been and couldn’t be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves.”
“I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what’s been suppressed these last two years.”
Claypool also took the time to personally thank Josh Allen, coach Sean McDemott, and general manager Brandon Beane for bringing him on board.
Does Buffalo Still Have Claypool’s Rights?
Claypool was officially realeased by the Buffalo Bills in August of 2024. He was one of the training camp cuts after being unable to participate in many of the activities with the toe injury.
“It’s a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time — Chase being one of them,” McDermott said after releasing Claypool during camp. ” … It’s just hard to evaluate when the players aren’t out there, whether it’s Chase or anybody. And I know he’s fighting like crazy to get back, and we’re anxious to have him back.”
The two sides reached an injury settlement, meaning upon his return he does not have to get clearance form the Bills to sign with a team. He is open to a reunion with all 32 teams and as training camp is now less than three weeks away, I’ll be surprised if a team doesn’t take a stab at the six-foot-four pass catcher.
No Room In Buffalo’s Receiving Room
Unfortunately for Chase, the Bills got busy this offseason bringing in Elijah Moore and Joshua Palmer. In an article written yesterday, I highlighted the Bills five receiving options. Palmer and Keon Coleman cover the big body needs of the Bills passing game, while Moore and Khalil Shakir can handle the slot work.
Throw Curtis Samuel and two solid tight ends into the mix, there really is no room for Claypool at Orchard Park. Keep your eye on a team like the Carolina Panthers, the New York Jets, or the Los Angeles Chargers to give him a try out.
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