Chase Claypool gets another fresh start with trade to Dolphins

For the Bears, everything about the Claypool experience turned out to be a mess. They had initially acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers at the trade deadline a year ago, hoping to give quarterback Justin Fields another big target to utilize in the passing game. Claypool never seemed to fit in with the Bears, while his work ethic and effort became a concern. Even worse, the Bears sent a second-round pick to Pittsburgh to acquire Claypool. 

That pick eventually turned into the No. 32 pick in the draft after the Bears went on an extensive losing streak to finish the 2022 season and finished with the worst record in the NFL. The Steelers used the No. 32 overall pick to select cornerback Joey Porter Jr. 

Along with a lack of productivity, Claypool had been a healthy scratch from the Bears' lineup over the past two weeks and was asked to stay away from the team. 

By going to Miami he is getting another opportunity for a fresh start in one of the league's most electrifying offenses. He will join a Dolphins team that already has two outstanding wide receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While those two are known more for their speed and big play ability, Claypool is a bigger, stronger receiver. So far in his career that size and strength have not always turned into results, or the ability to consistently make tough, contested catches.

The reality for Claypool is that this might be his best shot for success in the NFL. If he does not put it all together and make it work in that offense, with that scheme and that coaching staff then it might be fair to wonder if it will ever happen for him in the NFL.