The Chicago Bears were not afraid to make a splash at the trade deadline.
By trading a second-round pick in next year’s NFL draft the Bears acquired Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chicago needed help in the passing game, so they went out and found some.
With second-year QB Justin Fields continuing to develop as a passer, now was a good time to give him more weapons.
When you look at Claypool you see a 6’4″ 238lb player that can have success downfield.
Bears’ Passing Game
No team is worse at throwing the ball downfield than the Bears.
They rarely throw the ball at all.
Chicago is last in the NFL in passing yards per game with 126.9 and needs to improve in that area.
If nothing else, the addition of Claypool should at least open up the offense more.
They did not trade for him to block, they acquired him to make plays and help Fields.
If given the opportunity, the former Steeler can do both of those things.
Justin Fields on Chase Claypool:
“He’s big, fast and of course he’s a great receiver. Just throw it to him, I guess. Let it fly.” 👀👀👀 #DaBears #Bears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) November 3, 2022
One thing to keep in mind about Claypool is that he is not a number-one receiver.
He can be a good player in the NFL, but he is not a clear-cut number-one option like Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, or Stefon Diggs.
Claypool has never had a 1,000-yard season in his career and his most receptions in a season are 62.
But, pairing him with Darnell Mooney will give the Bears a solid duo at WR.
The future of the Chicago Bears is in the hands of Fields, so surrounding him with as much talent as possible is a must.
Claypool was a good addition by Chicago, welcoming him into this offense should help open the playbook for Fields.
