Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR faces critical year

PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool has arrived at a critical time in his career. He failed to live up to the hype created by his first two stellar seasons in the NFL and now he’ll have to fight to keep his spot on a professional roster.

Claypool, a former 2020 second-round draft pick of the Steelers, was identified as one of nine NFL veterans with “the most to prove” by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, who believes Claypool needs strong performance in OTAs to avoid becoming an eliminated candidate. .

“While the Bills’ wide receiver room isn’t an all-star group of established players, Claypool’s contract makes him an easy fit if he can’t reestablish himself as a high-upside option,” he said. writes Knox. “Standout 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.”

Knox thinks the Buffalo Bills present a good situation for Claypool, who looks to channel his talent and athleticism into more production on the field (he’s accounted for just 22 receptions and 217 yards since leaving Pittsburgh). But the Bills stocked up on receivers after losing Stefon Diggs this offseason, making the job even tougher for Claypool.

“Claypool is looking to revitalize his career with a one-year deal worth $1.1 million that includes just $25,000 guaranteed,” Knox wrote. “In Buffalo, Claypool will have the chance to play with a top quarterback in Josh Allen. However, he also faces great difficulties just to make the team. Buffalo parted ways of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason, but also brought in Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and first-round pick Keon Coleman, Buffalo’s No. 3 receiver from last season, Khalil Shakir, are also in the mix.

There is a path to return to the starting job in the NFL for Claypool, but it is a difficult path to navigate. He will have to rediscover the magic of his first seasons as a professional to win the competition he currently faces.

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