The 2022 NFL trade deadline is buzzing right now and the moves keep coming in. After already making a few moves before Tuesday’s deadline, the Chicago Bears are back at it again, trading a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool.
BREAKING: The Bears are trading for Steelers WR Chase Claypool, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 1, 2022
“The Bears are trading for Steelers WR Chase Claypool,” said ESPN NFL reporter Field Yates in a tweet. The added details of compensation were noted later, as the Bears are exchanging one of the two second-round picks they had available. They acquired the other earlier this week, sending linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for a second and fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The deal makes sense for the wide receiver-needy Bears, who’ve had trouble helping young quarterback Justin Fields out with his supporting cast. Receivers have had their fair share of troubles in 2022 and no one’s been shy about pointing it out.
Claypool has struggled this season, posting the lowest yards per reception mark of his career (9.7). In his defense, the quarterback play he’s had in his three years in Pittsburgh has been below average, and that might be generous. With Fields’ progressions of late, Claypool has a chance to flourish if he rounds into form. A change of scenery could do him a lot of good.
One detail shared by Josina Anderson might have Chicago fans letting out some laughs if it works out:
As of 8am this morning I'm told "it was looking like Green Bay was potentially going to offer the best deal for Chase (Claypool)," per league source. Obviously the #Bears have swooped in and nabbed the #Steelers WR.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 1, 2022
The NFL world reacted to the news of the trade between the Bears and the Steelers.
Chase Claypool is 6'4, 238 pounds, and ran a 4.42 40. Those are some elite physical tools, and exactly what the Bears needed in the WR room.
— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) November 1, 2022
The offseason was full of people talking about how the Bears didn't do enough to help Justin Fields and now those same people will tell you the Bears have spent too much to help Justin Fields.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) November 1, 2022
In Chase Claypool, the Bears acquire a 24-year old WR who is under contract through 2023 and had 10 TDs as a rookie. He’s a big-body vertical threat that could soon become Chicago’s WR1.
An upside player with plenty of talent that fills a major need.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 1, 2022
I actually think this is a good deal for the Steelers. That is a high price for a WR that has not been a difference maker. https://t.co/xtkBCjdFub
— Dawgs By Nature (@DawgsByNature) November 1, 2022
