Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

How the Steelers fleeced Bears on the Chase Claypool trade

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/9/23

When the Steelers traded WR Chase Claypool to the Bears on Nov. 1, they thought they were getting a second-round pick. Turns out, it's practically a first-rounder.

With the Miami Dolphins having to forfeit their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and the Bears finishing with the worst record in the league, Pittsburgh now holds the 32nd overall pick, a first in any other year.

The #Steelers will have the No. 32 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft via the Chase Claypool trade.

That's usually the last pick in the first-round, but there are only 31 picks this year with Miami being stripped of their pick.

Essentially got a late-first for Claypool.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 8, 2023

It may still be too early to call, but it seems like the Steelers won the trade and it's not even close. Following the trade, the Bears lost every game, and Claypool finished with just 18 catches for 140 yards and zero touchdowns.

The Bears traded the 32nd pick in the 2023 NFL draft to acquire Chase Claypool

7 games (0-7)
18 catches
140 yards
0 TDs pic.twitter.com/fu8VwHduva
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 8, 2023

Pittsburgh finished 7-2 after trading Claypool and have to be very happy with their decision. However, Claypool doesn't believe his team lost out on the deal.

"We traded away a top second-round pick, very valuable. I smile because I know it was a great trade for the organization," Claypool told reporters.

The Steelers may have to add to their receiver room heading into 2023, but they certainly have the capital to do so. They have three picks in the top 50, and four total in the first two days of the draft.