Former Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receivers Making Headlines: A Week in Review
Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have found themselves in the spotlight this week, navigating both opportunities and setbacks in their NFL careers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Released by Patriots
JuJu Smith-Schuster, once a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, saw his tenure with the New England Patriots come to an abrupt end on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster’s stay in New England was unexpectedly brief, as the Patriots opted to release the talented receiver. Now a free agent, Smith-Schuster is actively seeking a new team willing to harness his skills on the field.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, another former Steeler, Martavis Bryant, has caught on with the Washington Commanders. Known for his impressive speed and penchant for big plays, Bryant has the potential to make a significant impact on his new team. The Commanders’ decision to bring Bryant on board is part of a strategic effort to strengthen their receiving corps as they look to improve their offensive firepower.
Chase Claypool's Injury Woes
The rollercoaster week for former Steelers receivers extends to Chase Claypool, who has been placed on injured reserve by the Buffalo Bills. Claypool suffered a toe injury on July 28, initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as "day-to-day." However, the injury's severity has raised concerns that Claypool might miss the entirety of the 2024 season, casting a shadow over his career expectations.
McDermott expressed his frustrations, stating, “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 difficulties of evaluation without Claypool on the field: “It’s just hard to evaluate when the players aren’t out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
Despite the challenges, there is optimism about Claypool’s recovery and commitment to returning stronger. "And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” McDermott remarked, highlighting the player's determination. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point,” praised McDermott, underscoring Claypool’s work ethic and contributions.
A Closer Look at Claypool's Career
Chase Claypool’s NFL journey has been a mixed bag of highs and lows. The Steelers selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he quickly made his mark, scoring 11 touchdowns during his rookie season. Claypool became the first rookie in Steelers history to score four touchdowns in a single game, cementing his potential as a game-changer.
However, his sophomore year in 2021 saw a dip in production, with Claypool managing just two touchdown catches. In 2022, he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline, yet struggled to find the end zone, catching only one touchdown through Pittsburgh's first eight games of the season. His brief stints with the Bears and Dolphins last year were similarly underwhelming, as he caught just eight of 21 targets.
McDermott's sentiments reflect the organization’s stance on retaining faith in Claypool despite these setbacks. “He’s been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that’ll continue as we move forward,” McDermott commented. “We’re happy to have him.”
Additional Moves: Stefon Diggs Deal
In a significant roster move, the Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. This trade is part of a broader strategy as the Bills adapt their roster to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and other personnel changes. Amid these shifts, Claypool earned praise during spring practices, showing promise for his contributions when healthy.
At the age of 26, Claypool still has time on his side to rebound and reestablish himself as a dominant force in the NFL. With dedicated efforts to recuperate and support from the Bills’ coaching staff, there is renewed hope for his long-term prospects.
As this dynamic week concludes, these former Steelers wide receivers each face unique career crossroads. Whether seeking new teams, making fresh starts, or battling injuries, their paths in the NFL remain a testament to the volatility and resilience required in professional sports.