Chase Claypool‘s forgettable tenure with the Bears ended with both a thud and a breath of fresh air for the receiver.
Chicago sent him to Miami for a late-round pick swap, admitting defeat in its 2022 attempt to supply Justin Fields with a bigger-bodied playmaker. Claypool, meanwhile, received a new start with a contender, where he’ll have to make a greater effort than he did with the Bears to crack the Dolphins’ talented lineup.
“Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated on Wednesday, “On this team, one requirement is that you must earn the privilege to play alongside a group of guys on the only field that matters, and that’s grass.”
Claypool did not earn such a right with the Bears, where his effort was rightfully criticized in Chicago’s Week 1 loss to Green Bay. A week later, he increased his intensity enough to catch three passes for 36 yards and a touchdown but was told to stay home instead of reporting for work less than two weeks later, effectively ending his time with the Bears.
The Bears, having nearly no negotiating leverage, eliminated off-field drama by trading Claypool to Miami. His new teammates have been notably impressed by his 6-foot-4 stature.
“I told him, he looks like a freaking machine moving out there,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “He’s got a big frame, that’s one thing that stands out. For his size, he is picking them up and putting them down, so I’m excited to see him play.”
Claypool’s athletic prowess has always been evident, with more than 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns to his credit in his initial two seasons with the Steelers. He skillfully capitalized on his size and talent, but that now seems like a distant memory.
Now that Claypool is part of a team with a competent offense, he has a chance to restore his playmaker reputation. However, this is contingent on him demonstrating his value in Miami’s fast-paced offense.
When asked about what he needs to do to secure playing time in Miami, Claypool stated, “I believe I just need to maintain being the same teammate I’ve always been,” He further explained, “I’m confident that I’m a good teammate. I don’t need to go overboard to prove this. I just need to be myself. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to interact with a new team and demonstrate my capabilities.”
Should Claypool require extra motivation with the Dolphins, there will be no shortage. Miami boasts an incredibly potent offense, shattering the record for most total yards accrued within a team’s initial five games of the season. They surpassed the 2000 Rams’ record with a whopping 2,568 yards. Leading the NFL in points per game (36.2), passing yards per game (327.8), and rushing yards per game (185.8), Miami operates like a well-tuned engine. All that remains is for Claypool to secure his position within Miami’s dynamic setup.
Claypool should adapt well if he grasps the playbook rapidly and puts in more effort than he did in Chicago. The offense should have no issues utilizing his abilities. This could also potentially rectify his reputation.
“I think this is an opportunity for guys in our locker room to see who he is and for him to express himself to the guys in the locker room,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “We’re going to base our opinions and things about Chase or any other person that we end up acquiring off of really our own opinions.”
