The Miami Dolphins have acquired wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a swap of late-round draft picks in 2025. The trade was announced on Friday, ending Claypool’s disappointing stint with the Bears.
Claypool’s Frustration in Chicago
Claypool, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2020 draft, had a promising rookie season with 873 yards and nine touchdowns on 62 receptions. However, he fell out of favor with the Steelers after some off-field issues and was traded to the Bears last November for a second-round pick in the 2023 draft.
The Bears hoped that Claypool would provide a boost to their passing game and help their young quarterback Justin Fields develop. However, Claypool failed to live up to expectations and only had 18 catches for 191 yards and a touchdown in 10 games with the Bears. He also showed a lack of effort and professionalism on the field and in practice, which led to him being benched and eventually told to stay away from the team.
Claypool expressed his frustration with his role in Chicago’s offense and said that he was not being used to the best of his abilities. He also hinted that he wanted to be traded or released by the Bears. The Bears obliged his wish and found a trade partner in the Dolphins, who were looking for some receiver help.
Dolphins’ Receiver Room Gets More Crowded
The Dolphins have a loaded receiver room that features All-Pro Tyreek Hill, speedy rookie Jaylen Waddle, veteran DeVante Parker, and reliable slot man Albert Wilson. They also have Preston Williams and Jakeem Grant as depth options. However, they lost River Cracraft to injured reserve after he hurt his shoulder in Week 3, which opened up a spot for Claypool.
The Dolphins are hoping that Claypool can rediscover his form from his rookie season and add another dimension to their offense. Claypool is a big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field and make contested catches. He also has some versatility as he can line up outside, in the slot, or even as a tight end. He could provide a red-zone threat for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled with touchdowns this season.
The Dolphins are also giving Claypool a chance to start fresh and prove himself as a professional. They have made their expectations clear to him and expect him to work hard and be respectful. They have also told him that he will have to earn his snaps and compete with the other receivers on the roster.
Trade Grades: Who Won the Deal?
The trade seems like a low-risk, high-reward move for both teams. The Dolphins are only giving up a swap of late-round picks in 2025, which is essentially negligible. They are getting a talented receiver who is still on his rookie contract and has two more years of team control. If Claypool can fit in with the Dolphins’ culture and produce on the field, he could be a steal for them.
The Bears are getting rid of a headache and a distraction who was not contributing to their team. They are also saving some cap space by trading Claypool, who was due $1.2 million this year and $1.5 million next year. However, they are also losing a valuable draft pick that they gave up to get him last year. The pick turned out to be No. 32 overall in the 2023 draft, which the Steelers used to select cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Therefore, the trade grades are as follows:
- Dolphins: B+
- Bears: D