‘I Didn’t Have the Full Opportunity’: Chase Claypool Ready for New Start

Talking to the media for the first time as a member of the Chicago Bears, former Steelers wideout Chase Claypool admitted that his game breaking abilities haven’t been on display this go-round, at least not as much as they had been in the past.

Now that he’s out of the Pittsburgh locker room, fans were interested to see what Claypool would have to say about his role in Matt Canada’s offense and the attack as a whole.

In sharing his thoughts after the trade, he might have been indirectly blaming the Steelers’ offensive struggles as a whole to this point in the season.

“I’m a playmaker,” Claypool said. “I feel like I didn’t have the opportunity to show what I could do this year.”

Bears WR Chase Claypool: "I'm a playmaker. … I feel like I didn't have the full opportunity to show what I could do this year, but I feel like I've been able to show that in the past."

— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) November 2, 2022

That could have something to do with the arrival of rookie pass-catcher George Pickens, who’s shown flashes of brilliance since being taken in the second round of this past spring’s draft.

Or with the Steelers’ situation behind center, in which veteran Mitch Trubisky started the initial four games on the schedule and operated a sluggish unit. 

Rookie Kenny Pickett took over as signal-caller after halftime of the team’s Week 4 matchup with the New York Jets, adding a spark. Since then, the Steelers haven’t posted more than 18 points in a game.

Claypool registered 32 receptions for 311 yards and a touchdown in black and gold this campaign. His future in the Steel City looked bright during his rookie showing, when he pulled in 62 passes for 873 yards and nine scores.

He arrived in the Windy City after being dealt for a second-round pick. He also said during the press conference that he didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh, where he still had a year and a half left on his rookie contract.

He joins a number of Notre Dame teammates, including tight end Cole Kmet.