The recent week has seen an unusual amount of movement and news surrounding former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers, highlighting the ever-shifting nature of NFL rosters.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Unexpected Release
In a surprising turn of events, JuJu Smith-Schuster was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's tenure in New England was brief, marking an unexpected chapter in the career of a player once lauded for his electric presence on the field. Now a free agent, the wide receiver is on the lookout for another team willing to harness his skills and bring him into their fold.
Martavis Bryant Joins Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have bolstered their receiving corps with the signing of Martavis Bryant. Known for his exceptional speed and big-play capability, Bryant's addition is a strategic move aimed at enhancing Washington’s offensive options. His ability to stretch the field will be a critical asset for the Commanders, who are keen to improve their aerial attack.
Chase Claypool's Injury Setback
On a somber note, the Buffalo Bills have placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as a "day-to-day" matter, the injury's severity has since escalated, leading to concerns that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season. McDermott openly expressed his disappointment, stating, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.”
Claypool's Roller-Coaster Career
Claypool’s journey in the NFL has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact as a rookie, scoring 11 touchdowns and becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his sophomore year saw a dip in productivity, with only two touchdown catches in 2021.
In 2022, Claypool’s performance continued to fluctuate. Steelers traded him to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline, but his stint with the Bears yielded only one touchdown through the first eight games. His struggles carried over to his time with the Dolphins, where he caught just eight of 21 targets. Despite these challenges, there were glimmers of hope, especially during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, where he earned commendation for his efforts.
Buffalo Bills Trade Stefon Diggs
Simultaneously, another wide receiver shake-up saw the Buffalo Bills trading Stefon Diggs to Houston. This move adds an extra layer of complexity and opportunity for the remaining wide receivers on Buffalo’s roster, including Claypool, whose presence and performance have been noted positively by McDermott. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point,” said McDermott. “He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward.”
As the Bills and their fans grapple with the uncertainty surrounding Claypool’s return, McDermott remains optimistic. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” McDermott elaborated. “We're happy to have him.”
Claypool, still only 26 years old, has time on his side and the opportunity to bounce back stronger. His early career statistics and the flashes of brilliance he has shown speak volumes about his potential. As he works through this injury, the NFL community watches closely, hopeful that Claypool can overcome this setback and reemerge as a pivotal player in the league.
While former Steelers like Smith-Schuster and Bryant seek new beginnings and Claypool battles back from injury, it’s evident that the legacy of excellence associated with Pittsburgh wide receivers continues to make waves throughout the NFL landscape.