Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been in the spotlight this week due to a series of significant updates concerning their careers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Brief Stint in New England
JuJu Smith-Schuster, a once-celebrated wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's time with the Patriots was notably brief, and he is now actively seeking a new team that can make the most of his considerable talents. His release marks another chapter in Smith-Schuster's career as he continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders made headlines with their signing of Martavis Bryant, another former Steelers wide receiver. Known for his exceptional speed and ability to make big plays, Bryant's addition is part of the Commanders’ strategic effort to enhance their receiving corps. His dynamic playstyle is anticipated to inject much-needed energy and versatility into the team's offense.
Chase Claypool’s Setback in Buffalo
In a significant development for the Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Chase Claypool has been placed on injured reserve following a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Initially described by Bills' head coach Sean McDermott as a "day-to-day" issue, the severity of the injury has now raised concerns that Claypool could potentially miss the entire 2024 season. McDermott expressed his frustration, stating, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.”
Claypool's journey in the NFL began when he was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He set a high bar during his rookie season by scoring 11 touchdowns and becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his performance tapered off in 2021, with just two touchdown catches. By the first half of 2022, Claypool had notched only one touchdown, resulting in his trade to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline. Claypool's struggles continued, as he managed to catch only eight of 21 targets while playing for both the Bears and the Dolphins last year.
The Buffalo Bills had high hopes for Claypool, who earned praise during spring practices. McDermott remained optimistic, commenting, “I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back...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...We're happy to have him.” Despite these positive remarks, Claypool’s future with the team hangs in the balance as he works towards recovery.
Stefon Diggs Trade to Houston
Adding to the mix of wide receiver movements, the Buffalo Bills traded standout receiver Stefon Diggs to Houston. This move is part of a broader strategy by the Bills to reconfigure their roster amidst ongoing injury concerns and to make room for emerging players like Claypool, should he overcome his current health challenges.
Chase Claypool, now 26 years old, finds himself at a critical juncture. The coming months will be pivotal for his career as he aims to rebound from his injury and re-establish himself as a formidable force in the league. The Bills organization is poised to support him in this endeavor, but much will depend on his recovery and ability to deliver on the field.
As the season progresses, the fortunes of these former Steelers wide receivers will undoubtedly continue to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike. Whether it’s JuJu Smith-Schuster finding a new team, Martavis Bryant making a splash with the Commanders, or Chase Claypool's arduous road to recovery, the narratives are a testament to the relentless, and often unpredictable, nature of professional football.