Sounds Like Bears May Already Have Plans To Extend Chase Claypool

There is no bigger question mark on the Chicago Bears offense going into 2023 than Chase Claypool. Nobody doubts the former 2nd round pick has talent. He was pretty productive during his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, perceived maturity issues and a slight decline in effectiveness last season led to them trading him to Chicago for a 2nd round pick. It was a surprising move by GM Ryan Poles. Most felt the Bears weren't yet at the stage of their rebuild where they should be making such expensive acquisitions.

It didn't help that Claypool struggled down the stretch, posting only 140 yards and missing two games with a knee injury. Many already consider the trade a bust. Obviously, that is too premature. However, it has led to speculation that the Bears could let Claypool walk in free agency after this season. Former team scout Greg Gabriel doesn't think that is the case. He wrote on Windy City Gridiron that Poles always had long-term plans for the receiver. It comes from believing in his talent and his fit in Luke Getsy's offense.

"On paper, the Bears have a strong receiving corps, and if they come through, wide receiver will not be a priority position in the next Draft.

Granted, Claypool and Darnell Mooney are coming out of contract after this season, and many fans believe they will only be able to re-sign one. First, I don't believe that to be the case, and second, Ryan Poles didn't trade for Chase Claypool and give up a second-round pick to get him and then have him only be an 18-month rental. Trust me, that trade was made for the long term. In this offense, they want a big, fast and physical X wide receiver which is exactly what Claypool is."

Chase Claypool controls his own destiny.

What Gabriel says isn't wrong. Bigger receivers traditionally play the "X" role in an offense, especially the wide-zone. This is because they can survive press coverage while also bringing the necessary size and power in the run game. This has remained true throughout the history of this system. Rod Smith was 6'0, 200 lbs with the Denver Broncos. Brandon Marshall was 6'5, 232 lbs. Andre Johnson was 6'3, 220 lbs. Julio Jones was 6'3, 220 lbs. Pierre Garcon was 6'0, 211 lbs. Davante Adams was 6'1, 215 lbs. The trend has remained consistent for years.

While Chase Claypool may not be on the level of those greats in terms of production, he is in talent. He's also still only 24 years old. This will be his fourth season. It might finally be in a scheme that fits his abilities the best. Poles has maintained for months the Bears have plans for him. They were never looking for a quick fix. He has a role to play in the long term. The only way that changes is if Claypool completely craps the bed this season. That is possible. However, history is on his side. If he gets modest quarterback play, he will put up solid numbers.