Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been making headlines this week, capturing the attention of the NFL community. The recent moves involving JuJu Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant, and Chase Claypool underscore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional football.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Release
JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had a brief stint with the New England Patriots, was released on Tuesday. The move marks the end of what can be described as an underwhelming tenure in New England for Smith-Schuster. Despite his potential and past achievements, the Patriots decided to part ways with the receiver, and now he is seeking a new team willing to tap into his talents.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Commanders
Amid Smith-Schuster's search for a new landing spot, another former Steeler, Martavis Bryant, has found a new home. The Washington Commanders signed Bryant, known for his speed and big-play ability, in an effort to strengthen their receiving corps. His addition is seen as a strategic move to add depth and explosiveness to the Commanders' offense.
Chase Claypool's Unfortunate Setback
The Buffalo Bills have placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Initially, the team's head coach, Sean McDermott, described the injury as "day-to-day." However, concerns have grown about the severity of Claypool's condition, with some speculating that he could miss the entire 2024 season.
"It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them," said McDermott. "It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody."
Claypool's Journey and Contributions
Claypool, selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact during his rookie season by scoring 11 touchdowns. He etched his name in Steelers history by becoming the first rookie to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his performance saw a dip in 2021, managing just two touchdown catches.
Before the trade deadline in 2022, Claypool was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he struggled to find his footing, catching only one touchdown in Pittsburgh's first eight games that year and just eight of 21 targets while with the Bears and Dolphins last season.
Buffalo Bills' Support for Claypool
Despite the recent setback, the Buffalo Bills have shown unwavering support for Claypool. "I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point," noted McDermott. "He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward. We're happy to have him."
Claypool, at 26 years old, earned praise during spring practices with Buffalo, showcasing moments of brilliance that gave a glimpse of his potential contributions to the team. His fight to return to the field remains a testament to his resilience and determination.
As former Steelers players navigate new chapters in their careers, the NFL community watches in anticipation. Whether it's Smith-Schuster searching for a new team, Bryant reinvigorating his career with the Commanders, or Claypool battling back from injury, these players' journeys highlight the ever-evolving nature of professional football. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining how these stories unfold and impact their respective teams.