Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been making headlines this week, unveiling a mix of transitions and uncertainties in their current NFL journeys.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Short Stint in New England
On Tuesday, the New England Patriots released JuJu Smith-Schuster, ending his short-lived tenure with the team. Smith-Schuster, known for his energetic personality and dynamic playmaking ability, finds himself back on the market, seeking another opportunity to showcase his talents.
The wide receiver, who once electrified fans in Pittsburgh, now faces the challenge of finding a team willing to invest in his skills. Following his release, speculation has swirled regarding his potential landing spots, with teams in need of experienced receivers likely to take a closer look at Smith-Schuster’s resume.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
In a move aimed at bolstering their receiving corps, the Washington Commanders signed Martavis Bryant, a player renowned for his speed and ability to make significant, game-changing plays. This addition is part of the Commanders’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their offensive arsenal and provide more options for their quarterback.
Bryant, who showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Steelers, now has an opportunity to revitalize his career in Washington. As the Commanders look to make a push in a competitive division, Bryant’s presence could provide the explosiveness needed to turn the tide in critical moments.
Concerns Surround Chase Claypool’s Injury
The Buffalo Bills, another team with ties to former Steelers receivers, have placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as "day-to-day," the injury's severity has since raised concerns that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season.
McDermott candidly acknowledged the impact of Claypool’s absence, stating, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” His comments reflect the broader challenge of evaluating players who are unable to participate fully in practices or games. “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody,” McDermott added.
Despite these setbacks, McDermott expressed optimism about Claypool’s dedication and potential. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” he noted. This sentiment underscores the high expectations surrounding Claypool, who made a significant impact during his rookie season with the Steelers by scoring 11 touchdowns, including an impressive four-touchdown game that set a franchise record.
A Rollercoaster of a Career for Claypool
Chase Claypool’s path in the NFL has been marked by remarkable highs and challenging lows. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he quickly emerged as a key figure in Pittsburgh’s offense. However, his production dipped in 2021, managing only two touchdown catches. This inconsistency persisted during his time with the Chicago Bears, whom he joined before the 2022 trade deadline, catching only one touchdown in his first eight games of the season.
Last year, Claypool struggled to find his footing, catching just eight of 21 targets while playing for both the Bears and Miami Dolphins. Despite these struggles, he earned praise during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, demonstrating his potential to contribute significantly when healthy. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point,” McDermott praised. “He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward.”
At just 26 years old, Claypool’s story is far from over. As he navigates the recovery process, the Bills remain hopeful about his future contributions. “We're happy to have him,” McDermott reiterated, signaling the team’s commitment to supporting Claypool through this challenging period.
These developments highlight the evolving careers of these former Steelers wideouts, each facing unique challenges and opportunities as they seek to make their mark in different NFL environments. Whether it's the search for a new team by Smith-Schuster, Bryant’s fresh start in Washington, or the hopeful return of Claypool to form, their journeys continue to captivate fans and analysts alike.