For all intents and purposes, the Chicago Bears have enjoyed a chaotic start to the 2023 season. Near the forefront of their issues has been receiver Chase Claypool, whose inconsistent effort has drawn ire on a national level.
The Bears might not have to concern themselves with Claypool for much longer. On Friday, the receiver told reporters that he believes the Bears aren’t using him right. Note: This is a player with four catches for 51 yards and one touchdown on the season who also poorly blocks in space. It’s hard to perform worse as a receiver than Claypol through three games.
Perhaps in response to Claypool’s commentary and effort, the Bears made the veteran inactive for their home matchup with the Denver Broncos on Sunday. And unlike other players who are injured or inactive, Claypool wasn’t even on Chicago’s sideline:
I've scanned the Bears' sideline a couple times. No sign of Chase Claypool. All the other Bears' injured/inactive players are present.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) October 1, 2023
So it should be no surprise the Bears are actively shopping Claypool on the trade block, according to Jordan Schultz:
Sources: The #Bears are looking to trade WR Chase Claypool, asking for a 5th-or-6th round pick in return.
GM Ryan Poles has been actively calling teams he believes are in the market for a receiver.
Claypool was acquired via trade from the #Steelers last season. He is inactive… pic.twitter.com/HttUMggWla
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 1, 2023
The Bears surrendered a high second-round pick for Claypool last fall. He’s given them 18 catches for 191 yards and a single score. It appears they’ve seen enough and are willing to recoup whatever they can for the disappointing player.
Update: After Sunday’s game, a Bears spokesperson stated that Claypool was told to stay home from the game today.
UPDATE: A Bears team spokesman is now clarifying that the team asked WR Chase Claypool to stay home from the game today.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) October 1, 2023
This is how Twitter reacted
Seems likely that Claypool has played his last snap as a Bear. https://t.co/jUK1khEFkQ
— Johnathan Wood (@Johnathan_Wood1) October 1, 2023
This seems to track for what we've come to know about Chase Claypool. https://t.co/beDNPogAym
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) October 1, 2023
They’re showcasing his talent. Being invisible is what he’s best at. https://t.co/B5R2zmkRID
— Ryan Davis (@RyanQDavis) October 1, 2023
I’m fine with this. Time for Claypool to go. It’s a culture thing and when this team is 0-3 and has hit rock bottom we gotta get guys in that locker room with better attitudes. https://t.co/4zsEWnj8oK
— John Stocco (@fakeJohnStocco) October 1, 2023
I wanted the Chase trade to work.
I get why Poles did it.
I get why the coat was what it was.
But man it flopped.
Get what you can for him and focus on the guys that want to be here.#DaBears https://t.co/HxiNw8PYzZ
— Mason West (@WestSportsPT) October 1, 2023
The Bears are looking to trade WR Chase Claypool, asking simply not to be laughed at when they call. https://t.co/vjKLflLlAC
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) October 1, 2023
Me sowing: Yes!! A second rounder for Chase Claypool at the deadline!! Hahaha!!
Me reaping: https://t.co/OVzDsJywPC
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 1, 2023
chase claypool looked like a superstar when he came into the league. who knew it would turn out like this. https://t.co/izT9ryjtAl
— mansur🕊️ (@mansurshaheen) October 1, 2023
I don't want to tell Bears fans I told you so about Chase Claypool… but it was an awful trade from the start. https://t.co/xAAy0CRGrH
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) October 1, 2023
