Farabaugh: Steelers Get Great Value in Chase Claypool Trade

The Steelers just got what for Chase Claypool? Wait, they seriously got a second-round pick? Pittsburgh got everything they asked for and more when they were looking to potentially move Claypool at the trade deadline. They never had to trade him, but this is the type of return that gives the Steelers no reason not to trade him.

Claypool is a solid player. His height, weight, and speed bring a dimension to the offense that is thrilling. His inability to play to his size at times is just as frustrating as anything in his game, however. He never truly lived up to the physical freak billing he was promoted as out of Notre Dame. So, when the Bears’ second-round pick came up on the table to be offered, it was a no-brainer for Omar Khan to make this move.

They now have three Top-50 draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. That is a coup that a rebuilding team needs to fill holes, and the Steelers have plenty of those to contend with at this time. Honestly, that is simply smart team building from Omar Khan to get the Bears’ second-round pick. It appears he leveraged the Packers’ interest with the Bears’ interest and came out on top with a fantastic return.

For reference, that is more than the Steelers ended up getting for Antonio Brown. Chicago gets a receiver for their young quarterback in Justin FIelds. And yes, the Steelers will have to select a receiver or sign one in order to fully recoup the value and maintain a strong receiving corps.

However, when you as a general manager get an offer like this one, it is impossible to pass it up. It is hard to argue that Claypool is worth a true Top-50 selection at this stage in his career. He is a solid receiver, but inconsistent and nothing special. Either way, it appeared he was not going to reach his monstrous ceiling in Pittsburgh.

It was hard to imagine the Steelers getting a second-round pick, let alone a potential Top-50 selection for Claypool even an hour before this trade occurred. Regardless, it did happen, and now the Steelers have set themselves up in an excellent position to make key picks in order to help Kenny Pickett for the future. They sacrificed short-term comfort in the hopes that long-term teambuilding can come out on top.

Now, it will be up to the scouting process to take over. But in the end, Pittsburgh did come out with some fantastic value in this trade. It fits in with their long-term planning moving forward, and could be one of the catalyst that accelerates the retooling process for the new Steelers regime.