After rehabbing for the entire 2024 campaign, free agent wide receiver Chase Claypool is eyeing an NFL comeback this upcoming season. According to Bleacher Report, the once-star in the making is looking to join a team before the regular season, and it’s hard to imagine there will be a lot of suitors for him. Originally selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame Product became one of the most promising contributors as a pass-catcher after having a successful rookie year of catching 62 passes for 873 yards and nine touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Claypool couldn’t replicate the same energy in his sophomore campaign since he missed two games due to injuries and was pulled from a game for poking.
It went downhill in his career after that season. The wide receiver was sent to the Chicago Bears in a trade but didn’t put in any effort to be a reliable receiver, while receiving criticism. After that one-year stint, the wide receiver was a journeyman between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. As Training Camp is around the corner, there could be teams that might take a chance on him as a depth fill. Claypool won’t be a starter anytime soon, but it’ll be interesting if these five teams were to sign him to a minimum one-year deal.
Report: Veteran Free Agent Chase Claypool Eyeing NFL Comeback – 5 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Despite trading for wide receiver George Pickens, the Dallas Cowboys could use some more depth to build more weapons for quarterback Dak Prescott. The Cowboys must maximize their franchise star, as he’s only been utilizing CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson. Claypool won’t start ahead of Jalen Tolbert or probably Jonathan Mingo at this stage, but he could be a reliable target on a situational basis. He doesn’t need to make an impact immediately, but since the Cowboys love giving athletes a second opportunity, it might be something Jerry Jones could consider.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the same case can apply to the Kansas City Chiefs. They have three capable playmakers in Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown to be the main contributors for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. If Claypool joins the Chiefs, even on the practice squad, he could have a chance to change his career around with an already strong roster full of talent.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of another pass-catcher. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is by far the only impressive one that’s been on a run this past year. Quentin Johnston had two disastrous seasons, while veteran Mike Williams is washed up. Tre Harris is unproven, and someone like Claypool can join the list of receivers in the backend of the depth chart to help quarterback Justin Herbert.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need all of the difference makers to maximize either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. Between Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the team still needs a WR4 behind veteran Brandin Cooks after signing him this offseason. Claypool might be able to change things around since it was evident that Marquez Valdes-Scantling did this during his one-year stint in New Orleans in 2024.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens must start building for the longevity of this offense for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Claypool won’t take Rashod Bateman or Zay Flowers‘ job, but he could be a reliable veteran to join as backup for the slot routes. Once DeAndre Hopkins plays out probably one more season, the Ravens could use Claypool for a year’s worth to see what he has in the tank.
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