It’s been a difficult couple of years for Chase Claypool, but according to the man himself, he’s ready to return — and, moreover, he’s ready to do some damage.
Originally a second-round pick of the Steelers in 2020, the now-27-year-old wide receiver has endured a torrid time since being dealt away from Pittsburgh in a high-profile deal with the Chicago Bears in 2022.
He couldn’t impress with the Bears, and was moved on again to the Miami Dolphins the following year, again failing to impress, catching just four passes. A 2024 deal with the Buffalo Bills led to nothing, as he was released before the regular season thanks to an ongoing toe injury.
Now, however, Claypool has got his health back, and he’s bullish on a potential NFL return for 2025.
Chase Claypool takes to Instagram to hype an NFL comeback
Posting on his Instagram, Claypool recapped the last year of his football life, his injuries, and gave a positive comment or two to the Buffalo Bills for attempting to help him find his health, while simultaneously putting himself in people’s minds for a potential comeback.
“It’s been a year since I’ve posted on Instagram, and almost nobody knows what actually happened to me,” Claypool said. “I tore a ligament and a tendon in my second toe and have been rehabbing, working out, and recovering every day for the past year. I am back to being the strongest and fastest I’ve ever been and couldn’t be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves.”
“I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what’s been suppressed these last two years.”
Claypool has over 2000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his NFL career, although all bar one of his touchdowns came in his first three years with the Steelers and all but 200 of his yards are accounted for there also. He’s started 32 NFL games in six years, starting none in his last stop in Miami.
Chase Claypool may find a comeback difficult
While the NFL does love raw talent, it’s a long road back for Claypool. At 27, he should be entering the peak of his career, yet he finds himself trying to get NFL teams’ attention as late as July for a reason.
It’s not that he lacks talent, as even in his bad spells, particularly with Chicago, he’s shown his talents on several occasions. It’s more to do with teams’ perception of his attitude and effort that’s likely to hold Claypool back.
After all, the play that ultimately caused the Steelers, via Mike Tomlin, to finally punt on his potential was infamously celebrating a first down in a game his team was losing (to the rival Baltimore Ravens, no less) with the clock running(!):
Still, often in the NFL, athleticism and talent trumps all. Perhaps Claypool can find his way onto a training camp roster, and if he does, and applies himself, proving his difficult days are behind him, we’ll see him again in the NFL in 2025.
