Plenty of Chicago Bears fans are already furious about the Chase Claypool trade. When he arrived in November, the Chicago Bears gave up the top pick of the 2nd round for a wide receiver that did little to help the passing game. GM Ryan Poles understands the frustration but remains undeterred. He believes the 24-year-old has plenty to offer this team and can become a huge asset for quarterback Justin Fields. The two will be able to work on their chemistry this off-season and should have more help around him, thanks to some looming off-season moves.
Poles isn't the only one still optimistic about Claypool. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes the trade will still work out for the Bears. He explained as much on Waddle & Silvy for ESPN 1000.
"Claypool is a solid player. I think that was a trade that should benefit them and will benefit them moving forward."
Kiper studied Claypool extensively leading up to the draft a few years ago. He viewed the Notre Dame standout as a 1st round prospect. Despite how things ended in Pittsburgh, he still believes the receiver can become an offensive focal point.
"I thought he was a big body kid who would get go get the football, win contested throws. Be a little more than just the guy that you could count on just to be the possession type. He could make some plays."
When confronted with the limited stats and frustrating slow start, Kiper was unmoved. He made it clear the Bears didn't have anybody on the roster with a higher ceiling.
"Which receiver is better than Claypool right now?"
Chase Claypool will enter the 2023 season motivated.
It will be the fourth and final year of his rookie deal. That means he must play well if he hopes to earn a massive payday, either via extension from the Bears or on the free agent market. It is unlikely the team will pay him now. They haven't seen enough to justify doing so. Poles would be wise not to compound one mistake with another. If Claypool continues to falter, then Chicago only loses the draft pick. They won't have committed millions of extra dollars as well. On the flip side, they have more than enough cash to extend him if he gets things going this fall.
What is frustrating is it felt like he and Fields were developing some chemistry in early December. Chase Claypool had five catches for 28 yards in the first half against Green Bay. Then he injured his ankle. This forced him to miss multiple weeks. By the time he returned, it was too late. Fields struggled in Detroit and ended the year on the sideline with a hip injury. Both will be healthy going into the summer. Darnell Mooney will also return from his season-ending ankle injury. That trio will finally work together.
If things go as hoped, it could be fun to watch by this September.
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