This week, several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have made headlines, marking significant shifts in their careers across the NFL landscape.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Free Agency
The New England Patriots released JuJu Smith-Schuster on Tuesday, cutting short his tenure with the team. Smith-Schuster is now on the lookout for a new team that could capitalize on his skills. His departure leaves a noticeable gap in New England’s receiving lineup and raises questions about where the talented wide receiver will land next.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders bolstered their receiving corps by signing Martavis Bryant, a player celebrated for his speed and big-play potential. The addition of Bryant reflects the Commanders' commitment to enhancing their offensive arsenal. With his knack for making substantial plays, Bryant is expected to inject much-needed dynamism into Washington’s game strategy.
Chase Claypool's Setback in Buffalo
In a less fortunate turn of events, the Buffalo Bills have placed Chase Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially, head coach Sean McDermott described Claypool’s injury as "day-to-day." However, the escalating severity of his condition has fueled concerns that he might miss the entire 2024 season.
McDermott had his work cut out for him, addressing the uncertainty surrounding Claypool’s recovery. “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them,” McDermott noted. “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
Despite the setback, McDermott remains optimistic about Claypool’s determination. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” he said. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point."
He continued to express confidence in the wide receiver’s capabilities and team spirit, adding, “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’s career has seen its ups and downs since being selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season was marked by an impressive 11 touchdowns, including a standout performance where he became the first rookie in Steelers history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his output dipped in 2021, with only two touchdown catches, and he was eventually traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline in 2022.
Claypool’s performance struggled last year, managing to catch a mere eight of 21 targets while playing for both the Bears and the Dolphins. Nonetheless, he earned commendation during spring practices with the Bills, fueling hopes for a resurgence that now seems uncertain due to injury.
Farewell to Stefon Diggs
The Buffalo Bills' recent trade of Stefon Diggs to Houston further shakes up their receiving dynamics. While the focus remains on Claypool’s health and potential for impact, the trade adds another layer to Buffalo's evolving roster.
As the NFL season progresses, the journeys of Smith-Schuster, Bryant, and Claypool will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Each player, with their distinct set of skills and experiences, contributes uniquely to their respective teams and the ever-shifting tapestry of professional football.