Turmoil and Transitions for Former Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receivers
The landscape of the NFL is ever-changing, and that certainly rings true this week for several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant, and Chase Claypool have all made headlines with their respective career developments, each story a microcosm of the unpredictability that defines professional football.
Smith-Schuster's Short-Lived Tenure in New England
JuJu Smith-Schuster, once a fan-favorite in Pittsburgh, found himself released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. The release marks the end of a tenure that was notably short-lived. After spending just a brief amount of time with the Patriots, Smith-Schuster is once again on the hunt for a team eager to capitalize on his talents. With his history of making clutch plays and a reputation for his work ethic, Smith-Schuster's search for a new NFL home will be closely monitored by many.
Bryant's Fresh Start with the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, Martavis Bryant has been signed by the Washington Commanders, a move that aims to add some much-needed depth and dynamism to their receiving corps. Known for his speed and big-play capability, Bryant's addition is part of the Commanders' broader effort to bolster their roster. The signing shows the franchise's commitment to providing their quarterback with more options and potentially more firepower on offense.
Claypool Placed on Injured Reserve by the Bills
In less uplifting news, Chase Claypool's journey has taken a concerning turn. The Buffalo Bills have placed Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initial statements by Head Coach Sean McDermott described the injury as "day-to-day," but the situation has since escalated to the point where there are fears that Claypool could miss the entire 2024 season. This significant setback is particularly heartbreaking given Claypool’s promising start to his career.
Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool made an immediate impact in his rookie season by scoring 11 touchdowns. Impressively, he became the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his second season saw a marked decrease in production, managing just two touchdown catches in 2021. Before the trade deadline in 2022, the Steelers traded him to the Chicago Bears, where he struggled to find his footing, catching only one touchdown through Pittsburgh's first eight games of the season and just eight of 21 targets while playing for the Bears and later, the Dolphins last year.
Buffalo Bills and the Dillon Trade
Despite the challenges, Claypool earned praise during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, who saw potential in the 26-year-old receiver. “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them,” said McDermott. He continued, “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.” Reflecting on the player's efforts to return from injury, McDermott noted, “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back.”
The Buffalo Bills also made waves by trading Stefon Diggs to Houston, a move that arguably shifts the dynamics within the team further. While McDermott expressed his understanding of the difficulty in evaluations due to missed time, he also emphasized Claypool’s positive attributes and contributions during the off-season. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point,” McDermott said. “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.”
As the 2024 season approaches, the trajectories of these former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers will be stories to follow, each laden with challenges and opportunities. Whether it's Smith-Schuster's quest for a new team, Bryant's fresh start with the Commanders, or the uncertain future of Claypool with the Bills, these athletes continue to navigate the complexities of their NFL careers with resilience and tenacity.