Buffalo Bills Hope To Revitalize Chase Claypool’s Career With Prove-It Deal

When the Buffalo Bills signed free agent wide receiver Chase Claypool this offseason, it didn’t make major headlines. Yet, the addition of a 25-year-old wide receiver with a rookie season totaling 11 touchdowns should not be underestimated.

Claypool, once a promising young star in the NFL, now finds himself in an unexpected position. After a stellar rookie season in 2020, where he amassed 889 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, Claypool’s career trajectory has taken a major downward turn.

Fast forward to 2024, and Claypool is now with his fourth professional team in three years. The Bills brought him in on a one-year “prove-it” deal, hoping to reignite the spark that once made him one of the league’s most exciting young talents.

However, unlike in 2020, when Claypool would have been a guaranteed starter, he now faces the challenge of fighting for a roster spot.

Claypool’s decline began in the 2021 season, where his touchdown count dropped dramatically from 11 to just two. Concurrently, character concerns and the rise of George Pickens made him expendable for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to his trade to the Chicago Bears in 2022.

Unfortunately, these issues persisted, resulting in another trade to the Miami Dolphins midway through the 2023 season.

Despite an impressive start to his career with 121 receptions and 1,845 scrimmage yards over his first two seasons, Claypool’s recent performance has been underwhelming, managing only 54 receptions and 587 scrimmage yards in the past two years.

The Buffalo Bills are now looking to revive Claypool’s early promise, especially after losing top receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis in the offseason. This has created a significant void in the receiving corps, presenting an opportunity for Claypool to step up.

Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox identifies Chase Claypool as a player to watch, highlighting his potential to make an impact during the team’s OTAs.

“While the Bills’ receiver room isn’t an all-star group of established players, Claypool’s contract makes him an easy cut candidate if he can’t reestablish himself as a high-upside option. Standout performances during OTAs could give Claypool the inside track to a complementary role, while a series of poor outings could have him on the bubble before camp even begins.”

With the departure of Diggs and Davis, the Bills have 1,929 receiving yards up for grabs. Claypool, who has previously shown his ability to command a significant target share, could seize this opportunity. The key will be developing a strong rapport with quarterback Josh Allen during OTAs.

If Claypool can demonstrate his skills and build a connection with Allen, he could secure a spot in Buffalo’s receiving lineup, providing a much-needed big-bodied, physical presence. On the other hand, if he fails to impress, he could find himself off the roster by August, ending another chapter in his tumultuous career.

For now, Chase Claypool’s future with the Buffalo Bills hangs in the balance, but the potential for redemption remains. The upcoming season will be crucial for Claypool as he strives to prove that his early success was no fluke and that he can still be a valuable asset in the NFL.