Former Steelers gun Chase Claypool reportedly catches fire during Bills OTAs

Chase Claypool's career isn't in the best place right now, but it appears the team is trying to get back on track. The former Pittsburgh Steeler is currently signed with the Buffalo Bills and he has made his presence felt in the team's OTAs.

“Claypool has been the Bills' most consistent receiver in OTAs and sets the stage for what should be a 53-man series,” Upstate New York reporter Matt Parino said, per Chris Ward from Steelers Now. “He made the most explosive play of the day, catching a deep bomb from backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky at 11-on-11. Once he gets past his defender, it's hard for safeties to catch up and rookie Cole Bishop learned this lesson about the game, which would have been worth a touchdown in a game.

Fresh off a strong senior season with Notre Dame, Claypool was selected by the Steelers as the 49th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Immediately, he established himself as the team's number two receiver behind Diontae Johnson. In the 2020 and 2021 seasons (combined), Claypool had 1,733 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. He also ran with the ball for two additional scores.

He was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2022, where his career arguably began to decline. Claypool fell out with the Bears due to issues with his attitude and effort. This allowed the player to play only 10 games for Chicago, where he had 191 yards and a touchdown.

In October 2023, Claypool was dealt to the Miami Dolphins, where he appeared in only nine games and caught the ball four times.

Chase Claypool starts fresh with the Bills

With another door open to redemption, Parino's comments seem to suggest that the player is looking to bounce back and regain his place in the league. It won't be easy, but looking at the Bills' receivers, Claypool might just have a chance.

Steffon Diggs and Gabe Davis are no longer with Buffalo, so it will be a summer battle for the team's starting spots. If Claypool is indeed chosen for the 53-man roster, he will face several other newcomers such as rookie Keon Coleman, holdover Khalil Shakir and former Washington commander Curtis Samuel. Other receivers signed by the Bills include Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

Will this be a comeback story for Chase Claypool? That remains to be seen, but any fan who followed the Steelers years ago knows what the 6-foot-4 receiver is capable of. He's only 25 years old, which means his performances alongside Diontae Johnson and Big Ben can still be replicated with the right outdoor conditions and adjusted mindset. And based on his recent comments, it looks like Claypool is indeed making the most of his new opportunity.

“Buffalo gives me the opportunity to work as hard as I can and make the people around me proud,” Claypool said. “…I understand my situation. I understand any opportunity I have to help the team win, I have to jump at that opportunity.