“Chase Claypool’s Comeback Trail: Can He Rediscover His Rookie Magic?”

Claypool’s Promising Beginnings

Chase Claypool emerged on the NFL scene as a second-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, he was selected for his exceptional physical attributes and college performance at Notre Dame. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 238 pounds, Claypool combined size, speed (40 yard dash in 4.42 seconds) and athleticism, earning the nickname “Matheran” for his Canadian roots and drawing comparisons to Calvin “Megatron” Johnson.

His rookie season was a revelation, with 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, totaling 11 scores. A stellar performance came in Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he scored four touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing) and became the first Steelers rookie in franchise history to accomplish this feat. This explosive debut earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team

The Decline: From Stardom to Struggles

Despite his early success, Claypool career trajectory took a downward turn after his rookie year. In 2021, his production remained solid, with 59 receptions for 860 yards, but his touchdown output dropped significantly to just two, indicating a decline in his red-zone impact. Off-field problems and immaturity on the field began to surface, tarnishing his reputation.

A notable incident occurred during a game against the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, where Claypool celebrated a first-down catch with just 30 seconds left in the game with the Steelers trailing 36–28. His celebration wasted precious seconds, leaving Pittsburgh unable to mount a comeback, which was criticized by fans and analysts alike.

Reports of questionable work ethic, diva-like behavior, and distractions—such as a bar brawl and controversial social media activity—further eroded his reputation with the Steelers. By 2022, Pittsburgh traded him to the Chicago Bears for a second-round pick, a move that initially seemed like a fresh start but marked the beginning of a challenging period.

Struggles in Chicago and Miami

Claypool tenure with the Chicago Bears was disappointing. In 10 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he managed only 18 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown, a stark contrast to his productive Steelers years. His lack of production, effort, and perceived issues with attitude led to conflicts with the coaching staff.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Pols eventually sidelined Claypool, telling him to stay away from practice due to concerns over his commitment. In October 2023, Chicago traded him to the Miami Dolphins, where he was expected to revive his career with a high-powered offense.

However, his time in Miami was equally disappointing, with only four receptions for 26 yards in nine games. The Dolphins’ offense, led by stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, gave Claypool little opportunity to shine, and he struggled to carve out a meaningful role.

Injury Setback and Time Away from the NFL

In 2024, Claypool signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, a team that needed wide receiver depth after losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Early reports from OTAs suggested he was regaining form with stellar play and praise for his consistency. However, a toe injury during training camp – a torn ligament and tendon – derailed his season.

The Bills placed him on injured reserve and reached an injury settlement, releasing him in August 2024. The injury forced Claypool to sit out the entire 2024 NFL season, his first year without playing since entering the league. The setback was a major one, as he described it as “his first season-ending injury in 18 years,” expressing disappointment but also showing resilience in his determination to recover.

The Comeback Trail: Current Efforts and Mindset

By July 2025, Claypool is actively working toward a return to the NFL, declaring himself fully healthy and “the strongest and fastest” he’s ever been. In a candid Instagram post, he detailed his year-long rehabilitation process and expressed optimism about rewriting his NFL story.

At 26, Claypool youth and elite physical abilities — size, speed, and athleticism — make him an attractive prospect for teams looking for offensive weapons. His time with the Bills, though brief, showed flashes of potential as he worked his way up from the bottom of the depth chart before his injury to earning first-team reps. Claypool current mindset reflects a new focus, with an emphasis on letting his “actions speak” and proving that his limited production over the past two years was an aberration rather than a reflection of his true potential.