Buffalo Bills hope to revitalize Chase Claypool’s career with prove-it deal

When the Buffalo Bills signed free agent wide receiver Chase Claypool this offseason, it didn’t make headlines. Still, the addition of a 25-year-old wide receiver with a rookie season totaling 11 touchdowns should not be underestimated.

Claypool, once a promising young NFL star, now finds himself in an unexpected position. After a strong rookie season in 2020, in which he racked up 889 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, Claypool’s career trajectory took a major downward turn.

Fast forward to 2024, and Claypool is now on his fourth professional team in three years. The Bills signed him to a one-year deal, hoping to rekindle the spark that made him one of the league’s most exciting young talents.

However, unlike 2020, where Claypool would have been a guaranteed starter, he now faces the challenge of fighting for a spot on the team.

Claypool’s decline began during the 2021 season, where his touchdown numbers dropped dramatically from 11 to just two. At the same time, character issues and the rise of George Pickens made him expendable for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to his trade to the Chicago Bears in 2022.

Unfortunately, these issues persisted, leading to another trade with the Miami Dolphins midway through the 2023 season.

Despite an impressive start to his career with 121 receptions and 1,845 scrimmage yards over his first two seasons, Claypool’s recent performance has been disappointing, managing only 54 receptions and 587 scrimmage yards over the past two years.

The Buffalo Bills are now looking to revive Claypool’s early promise, especially after losing top receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis this offseason. This created a significant void in the receiving corps, providing an opportunity for Claypool to step up.

Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox identifies Chase Claypool as a player to watch, highlighting his potential to make an impact during the team’s OTAs.

“While the Bills’ wide receiver room isn’t an all-star group of established players, Claypool’s contract makes him an easy candidate to cut if he fails to reestablish himself as a high-capacity option. potential. Outstanding performances during OTAs could give Claypool the inside track for a complementary role, while a string of poor outings could put him on the bubble before camp even begins.

With Diggs and Davis gone, the Bills have 1,929 receiving yards up for grabs. Claypool, who has already shown the ability to hold a significant share of the target, could seize this opportunity. The key will be developing a strong relationship with quarterback Josh Allen during OTAs.

If Claypool can showcase his skills and connect with Allen, he could secure a spot in Buffalo’s receiving lineup, providing a much-needed physical and big presence. On the other hand, if he fails to impress, he could find himself delisted by August, ending another chapter in his tumultuous career.

For now, Chase Claypool’s future with the Buffalo Bills hangs in the balance, but the potential for redemption remains. The upcoming season will be crucial for Claypool as he strives to prove that his early success was no fluke and that he can still be a valuable asset in the NFL.