After not drawing much free agent interest during the first wave of signings, Chase Claypool is finally getting some attention from the rest of the league. According to a report sent out by the Seattle Seahawks, the team hosted the former Steeler on a visit, as first-year head coach Mike Macdonald looks for more wide receiver depth.
Seahawks reported a visit with Dolphins UFA WR Chase Claypool. Still not many sniffs for FA WRs Tyler Boyd and DJ Chark.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) April 9, 2024
A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Chase Claypool started his career on a high note. Splitting snaps with Diontae Johnson and Juju Smith-Schuster, the Notre Dame product finished his inaugural season with 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns on 109 targets while adding two scores on the ground. The 2021 season was more of the same, as the youngster recorded 59 receptions for 860 yards and two touchdowns during his second season.
Unfortunately, the wheels soon fell off the wagon. The Steelers traded Claypool to the Chicago Bears midway through the season, and the former second-round pick couldn’t recapture his magic in a new environment. The wide receiver recorded just 14 receptions for 140 yards with the Bears in 2022, and he didn’t improve in 2023. After a combined 10 games with the Bears, Chicago released Chase Claypool and made him a free agent.
The Miami Dolphins took a risk on Chase Claypool and signed him to a cheap free agent deal for the remainder of the 2023 season. However, he only caught four passes for 26 yards during his nine games with the club.
Seattle Seahawks Bring In Chase Claypool For Free Agent Visit – Are Other Teams Interested?
At this point in his career, Chase Claypool would be nothing more than a depth free agent signing. The Seattle Seahawks do not need another wide receiver, as they already have D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba. What they could use, however, is a backup plan in case something happens to Metcalf.
Weighing in at 6′-4″ and 238 pounds, Chase Claypool has the build to mimic Metcalf’s role if signed as a free agent. While the former Steeler cannot match Metcalf’s production, the team wouldn’t need to re-think their offense if Claypool filled in for a week or two.
While Chase Claypool hasn’t done much of anything in recent years, Seattle won’t be the only team willing to kick the tires on the free agent. The Notre Dame product might have to wait until after the 2024 NFL Draft to find a new team, but the fact of the matter is that there aren’t enough reliable wide receivers to go around. Claypool will probably sign for close to the league minimum, and these five teams could see if they capture lightning in a bottle.
Possible Team Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice is going to face the consequences of his actions that helped cause the six-car crash in Texas. With glaring needs at cornerback and offensive tackle, Kansas City might not have the resources to heavily invest in the wide receiver position. If this happens, then they could sign Chase Claypool as a low-risk, high-reward free agent. While his best days are likely behind him, the present-day version of Claypool could still be better than Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore.
New England Patriots
After striking out on Calvin Ridley, the Patriots have not shown much interest in any of the free agent wide receivers, including Chase Claypool. However, that could change after the NFL Draft. The Patriots are going to use their first-round pick on a quarterback, and they’ll need to surround that player with talented receivers. While Claypool shouldn’t be the top option in any passing attack, he could compete with Kayshon Boutte to replace DeVante Parker.
Tennessee Titans
DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley are a solid wide receiver duo, but this team could use some depth. After all, Hopkins isn’t getting any younger, and the three-time All-Pro is well past the age where players typically start slowing down. If Hopkins finally starts to lose the battle with Father Time, Chase Claypool and his large frame could be an ideal free agent fit to ease the burden on Hopkins. First-year head coach Brian Callahan faced off against Claypool twice a year during his Steelers days, so he should know how to get the best out of the veteran.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost several key playmakers in free agency, and they’ll need to make some cost-effective signings if they want to remain one of the NFL’s elite teams. With Odell Beckham on his way out, Baltimore could save money by signing Chase Claypool to a cheap free agent deal. The Ravens need a player capable of winning with size on the outside and, in theory, that’s where Claypool excels.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are once again staring down salary cap hell, so they don’t have the financial resources to notably improve their roster. With glaring needs at both tackle positions, they’ll likely spend most of their limited resources securing adequate blockers. However, they could use what’s left over to sign Chase Claypool as a free agent. Chris Olave can do a little bit of everything, and Rashid Shaheed is a reliable deep threat. However, they need someone who can make tough catches, and Claypool has flashed that ability in the past.
Main Photo: Bill Ingram – USA Today Sports
