Chase Claypool has been a hot topic among Chicago Bears fans and analysts alike. Unfortunately for him, the talk has not been positive. Instead, he has been bashed by many despite the season still two months away.
How many Bears fans have you heard complain about Ryan Poles trading for Chase Claypool because he gave away what is essentially a first-round pick for the receiver? I've heard it over and over again, despite that not being an accurate statement. First of all, the 32nd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was still a second-round pick. The only reason fans keep saying it was a first-round pick is because the Dolphins were stripped of their first-round pick, meaning only 31 prospects were selected in the first round. That pick does not come with the benefits of a fifth-year option.
Will the Chicago Bears release Chase Claypool this offseason?
Poles sent the Bears' second-round pick to the Steelers for Claypool on November 1, 2022 -- right before the NFL trade deadline. The team was currently 3-5 on the year and coming off a dominant win over the Patriots followed by a disappointing win vs the Cowboys. Despite the loss, Justin Fields and the Bears' offense put up 29 points.
As crazy as it sounds, with a 3-5 record at the time, the Chicago Bears were still a playoff contender. Ryan Poles was looking to the future and had no idea he'd be equipped with the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He had no idea he'd be trading that pick for a plethora of draft picks plus D.J. Moore. All he did know is that the 2023 free agency market was weak at the wide receiver position. Giving Justin Fields another weapont to help him develop was all that Ryan Poles envisioned.