Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have made headlines this week, each carving out new narratives in their respective careers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Short Stint in New England
On Tuesday, the New England Patriots released JuJu Smith-Schuster, ending his brief tenure with the team. Smith-Schuster, once a standout for the Steelers, now finds himself seeking a new opportunity to showcase his talents in the NFL. After joining the Patriots with optimism, his time in New England didn’t pan out as expected. The next chapter for the dynamic wide receiver remains to be written as teams evaluate potential fits for his skill set.
Washington Commanders Welcome Martavis Bryant
Meanwhile, Martavis Bryant, another former Steeler, has found a new home with the Washington Commanders. Known for his speed and big-play ability, Bryant aims to bolster the Commanders’ receiving corps. His signing is a strategic move by the team to enhance their offensive depth and potentially add a spark to their aerial attack. Bryant's exceptional downfield capabilities make him a valuable addition, and Washington will be looking to harness his talents to maximum effect as the season progresses.
Chase Claypool's Injury Woes
In Buffalo, the Bills have placed wide receiver Chase Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Originally described as a "day-to-day" issue by head coach Sean McDermott, the injury has since raised more serious concerns. There is now significant uncertainty surrounding Claypool’s availability for the remainder of the 2024 season, a worrying prospect for both the player and the team.
"It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them," McDermott remarked, highlighting the impact of injuries on team evaluations. "It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody."
Claypool, who was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, showed early promise in his career. During his rookie season, he scored 11 touchdowns and became the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his sophomore season in 2021 saw a decline in performance, with just two touchdown catches.
The young receiver was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline. Despite a change of scenery, Claypool struggled to make a significant impact, catching only one touchdown pass in his first eight games with Pittsburgh that season. His stint with the Bears and later the Dolphins was also underwhelming, catching just eight of the 21 passes thrown his way over the year.
This spring, he joined the Buffalo Bills and earned positive recognition for his efforts during practice sessions. "I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point," McDermott stated. "He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there, and I think that'll continue as we move forward. We're happy to have him."
Claypool's journey has been marked by early success and subsequent challenges, but at only 26 years old, he still has potential on his side. "I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back," McDermott added, emphasizing the team's optimism for his return.
Buffalo Bills and Stefon Diggs Trade
In another roster change, the Buffalo Bills traded their star receiver, Stefon Diggs, to Houston, indicating a shift in their offensive strategy. This move places even more significance on the health and performance of their remaining wideouts, including Claypool, once he recovers.
The coming weeks will be crucial for these former Steelers as they navigate their new roles and seek to make impactful contributions to their current teams. For JuJu Smith-Schuster, Martavis Bryant, and Chase Claypool, the path forward holds challenges but also opportunities to redefine their careers and reignite the promise they once showed with the Steelers.
As the season unfolds, the NFL spotlight will certainly keep a close watch on their progress and the impact each will have on their new homes.