Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been front and center in NFL news this week, making headlines for a variety of reasons across the league.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Uncertain Future
JuJu Smith-Schuster, once a prolific target for the Steelers, found himself in a period of professional upheaval. Released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday, Smith-Schuster’s tenure in New England was notably brief. Having displayed moments of brilliance and exceptional talent throughout his career, he now seeks another team willing to leverage his skills.
Martavis Bryant Signs with the Commanders
On a more positive note, Martavis Bryant, another former Steelers' star, signed with the Washington Commanders. Known for his remarkable speed and big-play potential, Bryant’s addition to the Commanders’ roster is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their receiving corps. His ability to stretch the field and make impactful plays could provide the boost the Commanders are looking for.
Injured Reserve for Chase Claypool
The Buffalo Bills' wide receiver Chase Claypool has also made news but under much grimmer circumstances. Placed on injured reserve due to a toe injury sustained on July 28, the severity of Claypool’s condition has led to concerns that he might miss the entire 2024 season. Initially, Bills head coach Sean McDermott had described Claypool’s injury as "day-to-day."
McDermott expressed his frustration over the situation, stating, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” He elaborated, “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren’t out there, whether it’s Chase or anybody.”
Reflecting on Claypool's Journey
Chase Claypool’s career began with promising signs. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he quickly made a name for himself, scoring 11 touchdowns during his rookie season. Claypool even made Steelers franchise history by becoming the first rookie to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his performance took a downturn in 2021, managing just two touchdown catches.
His time in Pittsburgh concluded when he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline in 2022, where his performance continued to underwhelm. Through Pittsburgh's first eight games in 2022, he caught only one touchdown. His brief stint in Chicago was followed by an equally forgettable time with the Miami Dolphins, catching just eight of 21 targets for both teams combined last year.
Positive Signs Amid Adversity
Despite the string of setbacks, McDermott remains hopeful about Claypool's future. “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.”
Indeed, during spring practices with the Bills, Claypool earned significant praise, demonstrating the potential that initially made him a standout draft pick. At just 26 years old, his career still holds promise, provided he can overcome his current health hurdles and recapture his early-career form.
Trade Rumblings
Adding another layer to the Bills' dynamic, they opted to trade Stefon Diggs to Houston. This move has left a conspicuous void in their receiving lineup, one that a healthy Claypool could potentially fill, should he manage to recover fully.
The evolving narratives around these former Steelers receivers highlight both the volatility and the opportunity inherent in professional sports. While Smith-Schuster seeks new prospects and Bryant finds a fresh start with the Commanders, Claypool’s journey takes on a more arduous path. However, with resilience and support from his team, his story is far from concluded.