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The suspense is over. Chase Claypool has finally moved away from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. But the signs were there, and now the versatile wide receiver has a new home in the NFL.
Claypool had a tipsy-turvy career with the Steelers, with the pass catcher accumulating over 10 touchdowns in his first season with the Steelers. Subsequently, he was limited to a mere two in the 2021 campaign, with the 2022 season not being that much better.
Nonetheless, Claypool was traded and it remains to be seen whether he will make use of the opportunity that a change of scenery assures.
Chase Claypool's fantasy outlook and situation
An in-form Chase Claypool is a fantasy manager's dream. The pass catcher presents a mismatch for virtually every defensive back assigned to the task of shutting him out. Unfortunately, some of his talents were stifled by the subpar quarterback room in Pittsburgh. However, Justin Fields should serve as a solid partner in demolition for the Notre Dame alum.
With the Chicago Bears, Claypool will form a one-two wide receiver punch with Darnell Mooney that should benefit Justin Fields tremendously.
So far this season, Claypool has 32 catches for 311 yards and a lone touchdown. The deal to get Claypool from the Steelers cost the Bears a second-round pick, so it remains to be seen whether the trade is a boom or a bust.
Chase Claypool's value as a fantasy pick
Chase Claypool is a solid pick for fantasy managers looking to buy cheap and reap almost instantly. The reason is that Claypool has a stellar skillset, with the pass catcher being one of the more unshakable players in his position.
However, his performance highly depends on how quickly he can adapt to the Bears' system and how easily he can dovetail with Justin Fields. There's a reason why mid-season NFL trades hardly move mountains. It takes a lot for a player to come into a new team and grasp their play calling.
Claypool has a significant task ahead of him, but if he's half as good as his potential suggests, he'd be a top-notch pick for your fantasy team.
