The Curious Case of Chase

Chase Claypool, Buffalo Bills WR

The Curious Case of Chase | The Wandering Buffalo

Well Bills fans, it’s that time of the year. Football news gets slow and we tend to latch on to whatever storylines we can. This often comes in the form of an off-season hero, who looks good in shorts and a helmet, and this year the player seems to be Chase Claypool. I have personally been vocal about the addition of Claypool to the WR room and how I completely understand a low-risk, high-reward signing. For this signing in particular, I see a player who has all the talent necessary, has had success in the league, and has flamed out with a disastrous past two years. Is this the next Brandon Reilly, or is there reason to get excited?

As I mentioned, Claypool has had a very dichotomous start to his NFL career. In his first 3 years with the Steelers, Claypool appeared in 39 games and had 153 catches for 2,044 yards and 12 touchdowns. His following 3 seasons he appeared in 19 games only contributing 22 catches for 217 yards and 1 TD. For me, it’s hard to see the name and know the production he started his career with and not get excited. It has also been hard to ignore the very dramatic drop-off since then. I think there is something to be said for receivers coming to Buffalo and having their best year with Allen. We have already seen several examples of this. Is Claypool the next in line? As of now, I am landing somewhere around cautiously optimistic. If he can make the team, I think he could be an afterthought in the offense and have some very solid production as WR 4-6. I think about Gabe Davis when he was the number 4 and able to have massive production, and I can’t help but think of Claypool’s early portion of his career if he were to have that type of play with the Bills.

That said, it is June, and guys often say the right things and look great catching passes. There’s quite a long road until meaningful football is played. I hope to be wrong on this, but I don't see Claypool’s redemption story happening in Buffalo.

Let us know in the comments what you think about the signing and what you expect from Claypool this coming season. As always…

GO BILLS!!!!

---

Justin Goddard
CO-FOUNDER - CONTENT CREATOR