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

WR Chase Claypool not 'there yet' on Bears offense

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Dec 13, 2022 4:28 PM ET

The Bears made a bold move at the trade deadline for wide receiver Chase Claypool. Now, head coach Matt Eberflus made a bold statement regarding his new receiver's understanding of the offense.

"I wouldn't say he's there yet," Eberflus told reporters. "I would say he's getting there."

It's a surprising comment for Chicago after dealing their 2023 second-round pick to the Steelers for him. Many thought the Bears were going into full rebuild mode following its deal to send LB Roquan Smith to Baltimore for a second-round pick. However, its move for Claypool said otherwise.

There have been mixed emotions since with Claypool posting just 12 catches for 111 yards in his five games as a Bear.

Some people: “I can’t believe Chicago gave up an early 2nd for Chase Claypool”

Other people: “Did you see what Chase Claypool did to Sauce Gardner?”pic.twitter.com/fQPzBsNNFv
— Nick Whalen (@_NickWhalen) December 1, 2022

Many had been calling to get second-year quarterback Justin Fields more help on offense to see if the team had its franchise quarterback. It looks like it does.

The Bears (3-10) face the Eagles (12-1), Bills (10-3), Lions (6-7), and Vikings (10-3) to finish out the season, and will probably be the underdogs in each matchup. Their second-round pick, now owned by Pittsburgh, is projected to be a high second-rounder.

Eberflus did note that the team is still excited about what's to come for Claypool.

"It's all new to him and there's a lot of volume of offense that he has to learn," Eberflus added. "He's in a good spot. We're looking forward for him to get better every single week."

Next season is Claypool's final year on his contract. By then, there's hope that he has a full grasp of the offense and proves why Chicago paid the price it did.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

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