Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have made headlines this week, creating a ripple effect across the NFL.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Brief Stint in New England
On Tuesday, the New England Patriots parted ways with JuJu Smith-Schuster, marking the end of a short-lived tenure. Smith-Schuster, who once dazzled fans in Pittsburgh, is now on the lookout for a team that can capitalize on his talents.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders made a notable addition to their roster by signing Martavis Bryant. Known for his exceptional speed and big-play capability, Bryant is expected to bolster the Commanders' receiving corps. This strategic move underscores the team's commitment to enhancing their offensive firepower.
Chase Claypool's Rocky Road
The Buffalo Bills placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve after a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described as "day-to-day" by head coach Sean McDermott, the injury's severity has raised alarms that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season.
McDermott reflected on the situation, saying, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” He further elaborated on the difficulty in assessing players' contributions when they are sidelined, stating, “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
Despite the setbacks, McDermott remains optimistic about Claypool's potential return. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” he mentioned. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point. He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward. We're happy to have him.”
A Look Back at Claypool's Career
Chase Claypool's journey began with high promise when he was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Claypool quickly made a name for himself, scoring 11 touchdowns and setting a franchise record by becoming the first rookie in Steelers history to score four touchdowns in a single game.
However, his sophomore season in 2021 saw a dip in performance, with only two touchdown catches. By 2022, the Steelers decided to trade Claypool to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline. His performance with the Bears was modest, catching just one touchdown in Pittsburgh's first eight games that season. Last year, splitting time between the Bears and the Dolphins, Claypool managed to catch only eight of 21 targets.
Despite these challenges, Claypool earned praise during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills. At 26 years old, his career still holds potential, pending his recovery and return to form.
Stefon Diggs Heads to Houston
In a surprising move, the Buffalo Bills traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. This shake-up in the Bills' lineup adds another layer of complexity to their offensive strategy as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key playmakers.
As the NFL season progresses, these developments among former Steelers wide receivers—Smith-Schuster's release, Bryant's signing, and Claypool's injury—exemplify the ever-changing dynamics of professional football. The league continues to evolve, with teams and players adjusting to new opportunities and challenges. For these athletes, the journey is far from over as they each strive to leave their mark on the NFL.