The Chicago Bears are making moves this offseason to ensure they are poised to improve their offense and give their quarterback the tools to succeed. In a move that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, the Bears have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool to a one-year deal. The acquisition of the big-bodied wideout adds a new dynamic to the Bears’ receiving corps and signals that the team is serious about bolstering their offensive weapons for the 2025 season.
Claypool, a 6’4″, 238-pound receiver, was originally drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since developed into one of the most physically gifted wide receivers in the league. However, despite his immense potential, his tenure in Pittsburgh was marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities. The Bears are now betting on Claypool’s talent to help elevate their offense, especially with quarterback Justin Fields entering a crucial year of development.
This signing has raised plenty of questions and excitement surrounding the future of the Bears’ offense. Let’s dive into why this move makes sense for the Bears, what Claypool brings to the table, and how it fits into the team’s long-term strategy.
The Chase Claypool Experiment in Pittsburgh
To fully understand the significance of Claypool’s addition to the Bears, it’s essential to take a look at his career in Pittsburgh. After being selected 49th overall in 2020, Claypool immediately showed flashes of brilliance, particularly during his rookie season. With a combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Claypool quickly became one of the most exciting young receivers in the NFL.
In his rookie year, Claypool racked up 873 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning a reputation as a big-play threat and one of the most dangerous weapons in the Steelers’ offense. His 2020 campaign was highlighted by several explosive games, including a four-touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. His physicality and ability to stretch the field made him an immediate threat on the outside.
However, as the years progressed, Claypool’s production began to plateau. His sophomore season in 2021 saw a drop in yardage (860 yards) and touchdowns (2), and he struggled with consistency. By the 2022 season, Claypool was no longer viewed as the focal point of the Steelers’ offense. Injuries and a lack of chemistry with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger were contributing factors, and by midseason, the Steelers had decided to trade Claypool to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a second-round pick.
During his brief stint with the Bears in 2022, Claypool’s impact was limited. He recorded just 140 yards in seven games, never quite establishing the chemistry needed with Fields to make a significant impact. While Claypool’s athleticism and size were evident, his lack of consistent production raised questions about his role in the Bears’ offense. Nevertheless, the Bears saw potential in Claypool’s raw ability, and with a more stable quarterback situation and a new offensive system in place, they are giving him another chance to reach his potential.
Why the Bears Are Investing in Claypool
The decision to bring Claypool back on a one-year deal is a calculated move by the Bears’ front office. It’s clear that the team sees untapped potential in the 25-year-old wideout. Let’s take a look at why this signing makes sense and how Claypool can help the Bears moving forward.
1. Claypool’s Physical Gifts
Chase Claypool’s biggest asset is undoubtedly his physicality. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 238 pounds, Claypool is a big-bodied receiver who possesses the ability to win contested catches and be a mismatch against smaller cornerbacks. His frame and leaping ability make him a legitimate red-zone threat, able to box out defenders and come down with passes in tight spaces.
In an offense that has struggled to produce big plays, Claypool offers a dynamic skill set that could provide Fields with a reliable downfield target. His combination of size and speed gives him the ability to attack defenses vertically, whether it’s on go routes, post routes, or jump-ball situations. Claypool’s ability to stretch the field will be crucial for an offense that’s looking to develop a more balanced attack. The Bears’ offense has lacked a reliable deep threat, and Claypool’s skill set could fill that void.
Moreover, with Fields’ ability to extend plays with his legs, Claypool’s physicality can come in handy when tracking down passes on off-script plays. As a quarterback who thrives in improvisational situations, Fields can rely on Claypool to make plays when the pocket breaks down, something that Claypool has proven capable of during his time in Pittsburgh.
2. Improving the Bears’ Receiver Corps
The Bears’ receiving corps has long been a point of concern. In recent years, the team has failed to provide quarterback Justin Fields with consistent, high-level receiving talent. While players like Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet have shown promise, they have not been able to carry the receiving load in the way that the Bears would like.
With the addition of Claypool, the Bears are hoping to strengthen their receiving group and provide Fields with a reliable No. 2 target opposite Mooney. Claypool’s size and physicality complement Mooney’s speed and route-running ability, allowing for a more well-rounded attack. If Claypool can develop chemistry with Fields, he has the potential to give the Bears a dynamic one-two punch at the receiver position.
Furthermore, Claypool’s ability to contribute in the red zone will be crucial for an offense that struggled to score touchdowns in 2024. His size and ability to win contested catches make him a mismatch for most cornerbacks, and he could become a go-to target in goal-line situations. Claypool’s potential to elevate the Bears’ scoring ability should not be understated.
3. A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
The one-year deal the Bears have signed Claypool to is a low-risk, high-reward move. By giving Claypool a short-term contract, the Bears can evaluate his performance without committing to a long-term investment. This allows the team to take a wait-and-see approach to Claypool’s fit in their offense. If Claypool lives up to his potential, he could become a key contributor for the Bears in the future. If he struggles to produce, the Bears will not be locked into a long-term deal, and they will have the flexibility to move on.
Additionally, Claypool is still only 25 years old, which means he still has plenty of room for growth and development. While he has shown inconsistency in the past, his physical tools remain tantalizing. With the right coaching and system, Claypool could still become a top-tier receiver in the NFL. The Bears are betting that their offensive system, led by Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, can unlock the potential that Claypool has shown in flashes.
4. Supporting Justin Fields’ Development
Perhaps the most important reason for signing Claypool is to support the development of Justin Fields. As the Bears’ franchise quarterback, Fields needs weapons around him to succeed. Claypool’s addition gives Fields a physical, reliable target who can stretch the field and create opportunities for other receivers. With a more balanced offensive attack, Fields will have a better chance to develop into the quarterback the Bears hope he can be.
The pressure is on Fields to take a significant step forward in 2025. The Bears have made moves to improve the offensive line and have added Claypool to help the receiving corps. Now, it’s up to Fields to build chemistry with his new teammates and continue his growth as a quarterback. Having a big-bodied receiver like Claypool who can win contested catches and stretch the field will undoubtedly help Fields in his development.
5. Competition for Other Receivers
Claypool’s return to the Bears also creates competition within the receiving corps. The Bears have several young receivers, such as Velus Jones Jr., who will now have to compete for playing time. The signing of Claypool provides an opportunity for younger players to elevate their games and prove themselves worthy of a role in the offense. This competition should help drive improvement and ensure that only the best players are on the field come the regular season.
What Can the Bears Expect from Claypool in 2025?
If Claypool can stay healthy and develop chemistry with Fields, the Bears can expect to see a productive season from the former Steeler. While he may never reach the heights of his explosive rookie year, Claypool has the potential to become a reliable No. 2 receiver for the Bears. His big-play ability, red-zone prowess, and physicality will give Chicago’s offense a much-needed boost.
However, it’s important to temper expectations. Claypool has shown inconsistency throughout his career, and whether or not he can reach his potential with the Bears remains to be seen. The offense will need to develop a rhythm and cohesion to help maximize Claypool’s skill set.