What Happened to Chase Claypool?
Chase Claypool is a Canadian professional football wide receiver whose NFL career has seen him play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and a brief stint with the Buffalo Bills. After a promising rookie season with the Steelers in 2020, his production declined, leading to trades and injury setbacks. As of May 2026, Claypool is attempting another NFL comeback and is currently on a tryout with the Green Bay Packers.
Quick Answer
Chase Claypool's NFL career has been marked by a strong start with the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by declining production and multiple team changes. After being traded from the Steelers to the Chicago Bears in 2022, and then to the Miami Dolphins in 2023, he signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 but missed the season due to a toe injury. As of May 1, 2026, Claypool is attempting an NFL comeback and is participating in a tryout with the Green Bay Packers.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Chase Claypool was born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
Claypool was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round, 49th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Historic Four-Touchdown Game
In Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Claypool recorded 110 receiving yards and four total touchdowns (three receiving, one rushing), becoming the first Steelers rookie to score four touchdowns in a game.
Named to PFWA All-Rookie Team
Claypool finished his rookie season with 62 catches for 873 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns, earning him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Traded to Chicago Bears
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 second-round draft pick.
Traded to Miami Dolphins
The Chicago Bears traded Claypool and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Signed with Buffalo Bills
Claypool signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
Placed on Injured Reserve by Bills
Claypool was placed on injured reserve by the Bills after tearing a ligament and tendon in his second toe, effectively ending his 2024 season before it began.
Released by Bills with Injury Settlement
The Buffalo Bills released Chase Claypool with an injury settlement, making him a free agent.
Announces NFL Comeback Attempt
Claypool announced his intention to return to the NFL after recovering from his toe injury.
Hints at NFL Return via Instagram
Claypool posted highlights of himself in a Steelers uniform on Instagram with the caption 'Back soon,' signaling another attempt to return to the NFL.
Tryout with Green Bay Packers
Claypool is currently participating in a tryout with the Green Bay Packers at their rookie minicamp.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Chase Claypool, a Canadian wide receiver, entered the NFL with significant promise when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (49th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season was highly successful, as he recorded 62 receptions for 873 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns, along with 2 rushing touchdowns, earning him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He became the first Steelers rookie in franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game during Week 5 of his debut season.
However, Claypool's production began to decline in his subsequent seasons with the Steelers. In 2021, he played in 15 games, starting 13, and posted similar yardage but only two touchdowns. By the 2022 season, his role diminished, and on November 1, 2022, he was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 second-round draft pick. This trade was widely seen as a significant win for the Steelers, who later used the pick to select cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
His tenure with the Bears was largely disappointing. In 10 games with Chicago across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Claypool managed only 18 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown. His struggles led to him being told to stay home by the team while they sought a trade partner. On October 6, 2023, the Bears traded Claypool and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for a 2025 sixth-round pick. With the Dolphins, he appeared in nine games in 2023, catching eight passes for 77 yards and one touchdown.
In 2024, Claypool signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills on May 3. However, his season was cut short before it began when he suffered a significant toe injury in August, tearing a ligament and tendon. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve and later released with an injury settlement, missing the entire 2024 season. After rehabbing, Claypool announced in July 2025 his intention to return to the NFL. As of May 1, 2026, Claypool is actively pursuing a comeback and is currently participating in a tryout with the Green Bay Packers at their rookie minicamp, hoping to secure a roster spot.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chase Claypool made different choices?