The Chicago Bears surprised many with being sellers ahead of the NFL trade deadline, where they acquired receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2023 second-round pick.
General manager Ryan Poles met with the media after Tuesday’s deadline, where he explained the decision to trade for Claypool was in part due to a weak receivers group in 2023 free agency.
“You have to do a little bit of forecasting down the road,” Poles said, “and I just didn’t feel comfortable with that.”
The receiver position has been a huge concern since the offseason, as Darnell Mooney has been the only proven commodity. But the addition of Claypool provides quarterback Justin Fields a big-bodied, vertical threat on offense, which is why Poles went out and made the move.
“I like the way Justin is trending,” Poles said, “and I think adding another big body who is physical, explosive, great leaping ability, can stretch the field but is also violent with the ball in his hand and as a blocker, I think that enhances everyone.”
Claypool, a former second-round pick out of Notre Dame, still has one year remaining on his rookie deal after this season. Now, Claypool has an opportunity to build a rapport with Fields and earn a lucrative contract extension with the Bears.
Mooney, Claypool and Velus Jones Jr. are the only receivers under contract for the Bears in 2023, and it’s still a position that needs to be addressed this offseason. But, now, Chicago doesn’t have to overpay for an underwhelming receiver in free agency.
