Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have drawn significant attention in the NFL this week, showcasing the volatile nature of the professional football landscape.
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s Departure from Patriots
One headline-grabber is JuJu Smith-Schuster. His stint with the New England Patriots came to an abrupt end on Tuesday when the team decided to release him. Smith-Schuster’s time in New England was brief, and now the versatile receiver is on the hunt for a new team that can capitalize on his talents.
Washington Commanders Acquire Martavis Bryant
In a bid to strengthen their receiving corps, the Washington Commanders signed Martavis Bryant. Renowned for his speed and big-play ability, Bryant brings a dynamic presence to the Commanders' offense. This strategic move is part of the Commanders' efforts to inject more firepower into their roster ahead of the new season.
Chase Claypool's Unfortunate Injury
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Initially, Bills' head coach Sean McDermott described Claypool’s injury as “day-to-day.” However, as the severity of the injury became clearer, concerns have arisen that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season.
McDermott expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” The inability to evaluate players like Claypool due to injury setbacks has been a significant issue for the coaching staff. “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody,” McDermott added.
Claypool's Rocky Journey
Chase Claypool’s journey in the NFL has seen its ups and downs since being selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Claypool had a standout rookie season, scoring 11 touchdowns and becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his subsequent seasons have been less prolific.
In 2021, Claypool managed only two touchdown catches, and his production waned further. He was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline but struggled to regain his early form, catching just eight of 21 targets while playing for the Bears and Dolphins last year. Despite a promising start during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, his current injury threatens to sideline him for an extended period.
McDermott remained optimistic about Claypool’s potential return, stating, “I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back.” He further praised Claypool's commitment, “We're happy to have him. I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point. He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there, and I think that'll continue as we move forward.”
Buffalo Bills' Notable Trade
In other related moves, the Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. As the Bills adjust their roster and navigate through injuries, the team's dynamics will likely evolve as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
With Smith-Schuster seeking a new team, Bryant aiming to make an impact with the Commanders, and Claypool's future uncertain due to injury, the former Steelers wide receivers are creating waves across the NFL. As teams finalize their rosters and strategies for the upcoming season, these developments highlight the unpredictable and competitive nature of professional football.