Former Steelers Wide Receivers Stir NFL Headlines
The spotlight has turned towards several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers this week, setting the stage for significant developments across multiple NFL franchises.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, once a key player for the Steelers, found himself without a team after the New England Patriots decided to release him on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster’s stint in New England was notably brief, and now, he is on the lookout for another team willing to capitalize on his talents.
Meanwhile, another ex-Steeler, Martavis Bryant, has secured a new opportunity. The Washington Commanders signed Bryant, hoping his renowned speed and big-play ability will add a much-needed spark to their receiving corps. Bryant’s addition signifies the Commanders’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their offensive arsenal.
On a less fortunate note, Chase Claypool, another former Steelers wideout, has been placed on injured reserve by the Buffalo Bills. Claypool’s toe injury, initially described as "day-to-day" by head coach Sean McDermott on July 28, has raised concerns about his availability for the entirety of the 2024 season.
McDermott commented on the situation, stating, “It’s a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” Claypool’s absence is a significant blow, given his promising start in the NFL. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool scored 11 touchdowns during his rookie season and made history by becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game.
However, Claypool’s performance saw a decline in the following years. In 2021, he managed just two touchdown catches, and despite being traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline, he only caught one touchdown in Pittsburgh's first eight games that season. His tenure with the Bears and Dolphins last year was also underwhelming, with Claypool catching just eight of 21 targets.
Despite these challenges, there have been glimmers of hope for Claypool. He earned praise during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, with McDermott noting, “I think he’s come in and done all that we could have asked to this point.”
The Buffalo Bills’ decision to place Claypool on injured reserve speaks to the severity of his situation, but McDermott remains optimistic. “He’s been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there, and I think that’ll continue as we move forward,” he said. “We’re happy to have him and anxious to have him back.”
On another front, the Buffalo Bills made a noteworthy move by trading star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. This trade undoubtedly impacts the Bills' offensive dynamics and places an even greater emphasis on the recovery and future contributions of players like Claypool.
As Claypool works towards his return, the NFL community watches closely, aware of his potential impact when healthy. At just 26 years old, Claypool’s career still holds promise, and his resilience could pave the way for a notable comeback.
The evolving stories of Smith-Schuster, Bryant, and Claypool not only highlight the unpredictable nature of the NFL but also underscore the enduring quest of athletes to find their place and leave a lasting mark on the league.