If The Chase Claypool Narrative Wasn't Already Silly, It Just Got Worse

The first impressions of Chase Claypool didn't go how anybody wanted, including the wide receiver himself. GM Ryan Poles acquired him from Pittsburgh for a 2nd round pick last year. It was hoped he could help ease the burden on quarterback Justin Fields, who lacked many reliable weapons. Things never really clicked. Claypool struggled most of the second half of the season, hampered by an untimely knee injury. His low production angered Bears fans, causing them to basically turn on him altogether.

It didn't help when rumors circulated earlier this off-season that some inside Halas Hall were concerned about Claypool's perceived lack of self-motivation. This was despite Justin Fields and Matt Eberflus praising him for how much work he put in to prepare for the upcoming season. Things got way out of control when several people criticized the receiver for doing some modeling in Europe during the team's break before training camp. As if what he does in his free time is any of their business.

Yet somehow, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report took things too far.

"With D.J. Moore, Robert Tonyan Jr. and rookie fourth-round pick Tyler Scott joining the receiving corps this offseason—and Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet returning—Claypool isn't guaranteed to be one of Justin Fields' top targets.

Chicago is already out the draft pick it paid for Claypool, but it could save $3 million by releasing him. If the 24-year-old can't show that he's grasping Luke Getsy's offense and is willing to work hard to contribute, the Bears could cut their losses and cut him."

Chase Claypool is not getting cut.

Yes, his debut last year was disappointing. Here's the thing, it's not like everybody else on the offense was so much better. Darnell Mooney had been struggling all year. He had the luxury of getting a full off-season to absorb the system. Claypool wasn't the cause of the offense's problems. He merely became a victim of them. Now things have changed. He's had months to learn the verbiage and responsibilities in this scheme. He should be healthy for training camp and seems to have gotten on the same page with Fields.

Is there a chance he will fail? Of course. He'll be battling for targets with Mooney and new arrival D.J. Moore. Not to mention Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan. Still, Chase Claypool is a talented player. When he's in a groove, he has the capability to take over games. The Bears don't need him to carry the offense. They want him to become a vital gear in the machine. They'll be more than willing to hand him a new contract next off-season if he embraces the culture they're trying to build.

Poles traded for him for a reason. His stance hasn't changed. Claypool will get his shot.