When the Buffalo Bills signed free agent wide receiver Chase Claypool this offseason, it didn’t attract much attention. However, the addition of the 25-year-old receiver, who scored 11 touchdowns in his rookie season, shouldn’t be overlooked.
Claypool, who once showed great potential in the NFL, now finds himself in an unexpected situation. After an impressive rookie season in 2020 with 889 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns, his career has significantly declined.
By 2024, Claypool is on his fourth team in three years. The Bills signed him to a one-year “prove-it” deal, hoping to rekindle the talent that made him a standout player.
Unlike 2020, when Claypool was a sure starter, he now has to compete for a roster spot. His decline began in the 2021 season, with his touchdown count dropping from 11 to just two. Issues with his character and the emergence of George Pickens made him expendable to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to his trade to the Chicago Bears in 2022.
These problems continued, resulting in another trade to the Miami Dolphins in 2023. Despite a strong start to his career with 121 receptions and 1,845 scrimmage yards over his first two seasons, Claypool’s recent performance has been disappointing, with only 54 receptions and 587 scrimmage yards over the past two years.
The Buffalo Bills are now aiming to revive Claypool’s early promise, especially after losing top receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis in the offseason. This has left a significant gap in their receiving lineup, offering Claypool a chance to step up.
Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox highlights Claypool as a player to watch, noting his potential impact during the team’s OTAs. Knox points out that while the Bills’ receiver group lacks star power, Claypool’s contract makes him a potential cut if he doesn’t reestablish himself as a high-upside option. Strong performances in OTAs could give Claypool a chance at a complementary role, whereas poor showings might leave him on the bubble before training camp.
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