After nearly a year of radio silence, wide receiver Chase Claypool announced he’s healthy and looking for another chance in the NFL. A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Notre Dame product began his career on a high note with two consecutive 800-yard seasons. However, he quickly wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh, and the team traded him to the Chicago Bears.
This move proved to be a disaster, as the wideout recorded just 18 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown in 10 games with the club. Following a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins, Chase Claypool hoped to revive his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2024. While an injury prevented him from playing last year, Claypool claims he’s healthy and wants to return to the field.
While he’s anything but a safe bet given his health status and lack of success away from Pittsburgh, some team will allow him to compete for a spot at the bottom of a roster. In no particular order, look for the following four teams to pursue the free agent.
View this post on Instagram
“I Am Back” – Chase Claypool Eyes NFL Return
Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games with an old-school, run-first offense, but he still needs complementary wide receivers. Ladd McConkey will be the face of this passing attack, and second-round rookie Tre Harris will provide a vertical option. However, this team must find someone who can consistently win in contested situations. Mike Williams filled that role for years, but the re-signed receiver looked like a shell of himself last year. Measuring in at 6′-4″ and 238 pounds, Claypool has the size to excel in this role and could earn a final roster spot on a weak receiver depth chart.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans need someone other than Calvin Ridley to step up for first-overall pick Cam Ward. Chase Claypool might not be the safest signing in the world, but he shouldn’t cost more than the veteran minimum and offers some upside for a team desperate for more offensive firepower.
Cleveland Browns
No matter who starts for the Cleveland Browns, this team will not move the ball through the air with their current wide receivers. Jerry Jeudy had a strong season last year when Jameis Winston was the quarterback, but the first-round pick struggled to do much of anything with anyone else. Even if Jeudy picks up where he left off, the rest of the depth chart is disastrous. Chase Claypool can battle fellow Steelers castoff Diontae Johnson for a roster spot as a low-risk, medium-reward signing.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are embracing a long-overdue rebuild and probably won’t fight for a playoff spot in 2025. However, that shouldn’t stop them from pursuing Chase Claypool. Second-round pick Tyler Shough will likely start the season under center, and adding a high-upside player like Claypool might increase his odds of developing into a franchise quarterback.
Main Photo: Shawn Dowd – Imagn Images
The post “I Am Back” – Top Free Agent Finally Healthy, Hopes to Sign Soon appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.