Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers are making headlines this week, each under different circumstances as they navigate their NFL careers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Brief Stint with New England Ends
JuJu Smith-Schuster's time with the New England Patriots has come to a sudden end, as the team decided to part ways with the wide receiver on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster, who previously made a name for himself with the Steelers before moving on to the Kansas City Chiefs and then the Patriots, finds himself seeking a new team that can utilize his talents. His tenure in New England was notably brief, and the market will soon determine where he lands next. Given his previous performances, there’s no doubt that Smith-Schuster remains an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.
Washington Commanders Add Speed with Martavis Bryant
In a move aimed at enhancing their offensive capabilities, the Washington Commanders signed Martavis Bryant, a wide receiver renowned for his speed and ability to deliver big plays. This strategic acquisition is designed to strengthen the Commanders' receiving squad as they prepare for the upcoming season. Bryant’s track record points to a dynamic presence on the field, and his addition could significantly impact the Commanders' offensive strategies moving forward.
Chase Claypool's Injury Concerns Grow
The Buffalo Bills were dealt a significant blow as they placed wide receiver Chase Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described by Head Coach Sean McDermott as a "day-to-day" situation, the injury's severity has since raised concerns that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season. Reflecting on the situation, McDermott noted, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.”
McDermott added, “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.” Claypool’s absence presents a significant hurdle for the Bills, given his promising start in the NFL. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool made an immediate impact by scoring 11 touchdowns during his rookie season. Notably, he became the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game.
However, his second season saw a dip in performance, managing only two touchdown catches in 2021. Claypool's journey took another turn when he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline in 2022. Despite high hopes, Claypool struggled to find his footing, catching just one touchdown in Pittsburgh’s first eight games of 2022 and only eight of 21 targets while with the Bears and Dolphins last year.
Hope and Uncertainty Surround Claypool's Return
The latest chapter in Claypool's career brought him to the Buffalo Bills, where he earned praise during spring practices. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point,” said McDermott. The head coach further emphasized Claypool's work ethic and team spirit, stating, “He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there, and I think that'll continue as we move forward.”
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his injury, there is hope for Claypool’s return. McDermott expressed optimism, saying, “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back. We're happy to have him.”
Buffalo Bills Trade Stefon Diggs
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills made another significant move by trading star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. This decision has significant implications for the team's offensive strategies moving forward. Though Diggs' departure leaves a void, the Bills will likely look to their remaining and upcoming talents to fill the gap.
As these former Pittsburgh Steelers receivers continue to navigate the ups and downs of their careers, one thing is clear: their impacts on the NFL remain substantial. Teams across the league will closely monitor their situations as they build and refine their rosters for the seasons ahead.