Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have made headlines this week as they navigate various career challenges and developments.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Release
JuJu Smith-Schuster's tenure with the New England Patriots was unexpectedly brief. On Tuesday, the Patriots announced the release of the talented wide receiver, leaving Smith-Schuster in search of a new team to showcase his abilities. The news marks yet another twist in the career of a player who once captivated Pittsburgh fans with his dynamic play.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Commanders
In a move aimed at enhancing their receiving corps, the Washington Commanders have signed Martavis Bryant. Known for his speed and ability to make big plays, Bryant brings a valuable skill set to Washington's offense. The Commanders hope that Bryant's addition will provide a much-needed boost to their passing game as they set their sights on a successful season.
Injury Setback for Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool, another ex-Steelers wide receiver, has faced a more challenging week. The Buffalo Bills placed him on injured reserve following a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Initial optimism about Claypool's condition, described as "day-to-day" by Bills head coach Sean McDermott, has since given way to concerns that the injury could sideline him for the entire 2024 season.
Reflecting on the situation, McDermott acknowledged the difficulty of evaluating players who are unable to participate in practices, stating, “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.” He added, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” Highlighting Claypool's commitment to recovery, McDermott noted, “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back.”
Claypool, who was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact during his rookie season, scoring 11 touchdowns. He made history as the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his performance dipped in 2021, with just two touchdown catches, and his career trajectory took a further hit when he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline in 2022.
Claypool's Transitions
His stint with the Bears did not yield significant success; Claypool managed only one touchdown through the first eight games in 2022. Later, in a brief period with both the Bears and Dolphins, Claypool caught just eight of 21 targets. Despite these struggles, Claypool showed promise during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, earning praise from McDermott, who commented, “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point. He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward.”
The 26-year-old receiver's injury is undoubtedly a setback, but McDermott's comments reflect hope for Claypool's future contributions to the team: “We're happy to have him.”
The saga of these former Steelers wide receivers underscores the unpredictable nature of professional football careers. From Smith-Schuster's quest to find a new home, Bryant's fresh start with the Commanders, to Claypool's battle with injury, each player continues to write their own unique story in the NFL. As they navigate their respective challenges, the football world watches and waits to see how these former Steelers will impact their new environments.