Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have found themselves in the spotlight this week, navigating the unpredictable waters of the NFL with varying degrees of success and setbacks.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Released by Patriots
One of the most notable moves involves JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's stint with the Patriots was brief, and he now looks to find another team that can benefit from his talents. The abrupt end to his time in New England highlights the sometimes fleeting nature of NFL careers, even for proven players like Smith-Schuster.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Commanders
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have signed Martavis Bryant in an effort to enhance their receiving corps. Known for his speed and big-play potential, Bryant brings a dynamic presence to the Commanders' offense. His addition could provide a significant boost, particularly in stretching the field and creating opportunities for other playmakers on the team.
Chase Claypool Faces Uncertain Future
In Buffalo, Chase Claypool was placed on injured reserve by the Buffalo Bills after suffering a toe injury on July 28. Initially described as "day-to-day" by head coach Sean McDermott, the gravity of Claypool’s condition has escalated, fueling concerns that he may miss the entire 2024 season.
"It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them," McDermott remarked. The coach's comments underscore the frustration and difficulty in evaluating a player’s potential when they are sidelined due to injury.
McDermott continued, "It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody." The injury casts a shadow over what has been a promising trajectory for Claypool, who was a second-round pick by the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season saw an impressive 11 touchdowns, including a historic four-touchdown game – a first for any rookie in Steelers franchise history.
However, the consistency of his performance has since wavered. In 2021, he managed only two touchdown catches. By 2022, Claypool found himself traded to the Chicago Bears before the season's trade deadline, a move that saw him catching only one touchdown in his first eight games with Pittsburgh. His struggle continued with just eight receptions on 21 targets while playing for the Bears and Dolphins last year.
Despite these setbacks, Claypool's tenure with the Bills has shown promise. "I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point," McDermott said. "He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward." His coach's endorsement reveals the positive impression Claypool has made during spring practices, even as he now faces the challenge of overcoming his injury. "And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back," McDermott added, expressing the team's eagerness for his return.
For the moment, Claypool's future hangs in the balance. "We're happy to have him," McDermott stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by fans and teammates alike who hope to see him back on the field sooner rather than later.
As these former Steelers navigate their current uncertain paths, their experiences serve as a testament to the volatility and high stakes inherent in professional football. From the unexpected release of a seasoned player like Smith-Schuster to the hopeful resurgence of a talent like Bryant, and the unwavering fight of Claypool, the NFL remains a landscape where fortunes can change in an instant, but determination and resilience define the journey.