NEWSLETTER
We’ve been waiting for a splashy Bears receiver trade for a hot minute.
And finally, we’re getting it with ESPN NFL insider Field Yates reporting the Bears are trading for Steelers receiver Chase Claypool. Meanwhile, ESPN teammate Adam Schefter has terms of the deal:
BOOM! Now, that is a spicy meatball of a trade. And while it’s a hefty price, getting that second-rounder from the Ravens softens that blow.
And as it turns out, that Ravens second-rounder is what is headed to Pittsburgh:
Or maybe it isn’t:
The Steelers owning the second-round selection of their most fierce AFC North rival is a special brand of petty that I love. But maybe it’ll be the Bears pick, which projects to be a bit more valuable based on where the Bears project to pick. However, we can cross that bridge when we get to it. In the meantime, let’s talk about the Bears’ new 6-4, 238-pound target for Justin Fields to throw to on Sundays.
Claypool, 24, has put up back-to-back seasons with at least 860 receiving yards. His best showing came in his rookie year in 2020, a season in which he put up 62 catches, 873 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. Claypool’s sophomore campaign was light on the tuddys (just 2) but still came with 59 snags and 860 receiving yards. Through eight games this season, Claypool has just 32 catches and 311 receiving yards. Those numbers are hardly inspirational. However, Claypool has been trending better of late with 21 catches, 232 receiving yards, and 1 TD in his last four games. That would put him on a 17-game pace of 89 catches, 986 receiving yards, and 4 TDs. And I think that’ll play alongside Darnell Mooney.
There will be more fallout to come. And we’ll get to it soon. But for now, I think we can rejoice in the Bears addressing their receiver needs in a major way.
