Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been making headlines this week, navigating the twists and turns of their professional careers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Quest for a New Team
In a surprising move, JuJu Smith-Schuster was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's time in New England was notably brief, and now he finds himself in search of another team that might capitalize on his talents. The wide receiver, known for his dynamic playmaking abilities and charisma, will be looking to bring energy and production to a new franchise.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have taken a significant step in enhancing their receiving corps by signing Martavis Bryant. Renowned for his exceptional speed and big-play capability, Bryant is expected to inject new life into the Commanders’ offensive strategy. This move reflects the team's commitment to bolstering their passing game, offering quarterback Sam Howell another downfield threat.
Chase Claypool's Injury Woes Continue
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have placed wide receiver Chase Claypool on injured reserve following a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Initially described as a "day-to-day" issue by head coach Sean McDermott, the injury has proven to be more severe, sparking concerns that Claypool might miss the entirety of the 2024 season. “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them,” McDermott stated. “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
Claypool, who was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, had a promising start to his career. During his rookie season, he scored an impressive 11 touchdowns and made history by becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his performance saw a significant decline in the following seasons. In 2021, Claypool managed just two touchdown catches, and by 2022, he had been traded to the Chicago Bears before the trade deadline.
Challenges and Praise for Claypool
Claypool's tenure with the Bears was underwhelming, catching only one touchdown in Pittsburgh's first eight games of 2022. His struggles continued as he managed just eight receptions on 21 targets while with the Bears and Dolphins last year. Yet, his efforts did not go entirely unnoticed. During spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, Claypool earned commendations for his work ethic and attitude. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” McDermott remarked. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point.”
At just 26 years old, Claypool's career is far from over, and the Bills remain hopeful for his return. “He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward,” McDermott added. “We're happy to have him.”
Buffalo Bills Make a Bold Move
In a significant roster shake-up, the Buffalo Bills traded star receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. This decision underscores the team's strategy to navigate the future of their receiving lineup, emphasizing the need for new and healthy talents like Claypool to step up once he recovers.
The recent moves and injuries among these former Steelers receivers highlight the unpredictable nature of NFL careers. As Smith-Schuster seeks a new home, Bryant gears up to revive his career in Washington, and Claypool battles to overcome his injury, the paths of these athletes remain a testament to the resilience and relentless pursuit inherent in professional sports.