Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been making headlines this week, underscoring the ongoing fluidity and unpredictability of the NFL landscape.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Brief Stint in New England
On Tuesday, the New England Patriots released JuJu Smith-Schuster, ending a short-lived tenure that didn't quite meet expectations. Smith-Schuster, known for his vibrant personality and playmaking ability, is now on the hunt for a new team that can leverage his talents effectively.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders made a notable addition by signing Martavis Bryant. Known for his exceptional speed and big-play ability, Bryant's signing is part of the Commanders' efforts to strengthen their receiving corps. Bryant's high ceiling as a deep threat adds a new dimension to Washington's offense, offering promise for explosive plays down the field.
Buffalo Bills Face Chase Claypool Setback
The Buffalo Bills have their own set of challenges to navigate with Chase Claypool being placed on injured reserve. Claypool's toe injury, sustained on July 28, was initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as "day-to-day." However, the injury's severity has since raised concerns that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season.
McDermott, reflecting on the misfortune of the situation, stated, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” He also mentioned the difficulty of evaluating players like Claypool who aren't able to participate fully in team activities: “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
Despite the setback, McDermott has been supportive of Claypool's efforts to recover and contribute to the team. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” he remarked.
Claypool's Rocky Journey
Chase Claypool's journey in the NFL has been marked by highs and lows. Drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool quickly made a name for himself by scoring 11 touchdowns in his rookie season, including becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his production dropped in 2021, managing only two touchdown catches that season.
In 2022, Claypool was traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline, but his performance remained inconsistent, catching only one touchdown in Pittsburgh's first eight games and just eight of 21 targets while playing for the Bears and Dolphins.
This year, Claypool caught the eyes of the Buffalo Bills and earned praise during spring practices, but his ongoing injury issues have cast a shadow over his future contributions to the team. McDermott lauded Claypool’s initial efforts, saying, “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point.”
He continued, “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.”
Amidst these twists and turns, the Buffalo Bills also made a significant roster move by trading Stefon Diggs to Houston, underlining the ever-evolving dynamics within the team.
The Road Ahead for Former Steelers Receivers
As JuJu Smith-Schuster looks for a new home and Martavis Bryant begins his tenure with the Commanders, their stories serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. Chase Claypool's battle with injury adds another layer to this narrative, highlighting the resilience and determination required to succeed at the highest levels of professional football.
Football fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these former Steelers wide receivers navigate their respective journeys, each striving to recapture the spark that once made them standout players in Pittsburgh.