LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Bears receiver Chase Claypool is aware of the perception that comes with his place on the team.
The Bears traded a second-round pick to the Steelers to acquire Claypool on Nov. 1, believing they'd added a dynamic player who could transform their offense. Instead, Claypool has just 12 receptions for 111 yards over five games with Chicago and has also missed the past two games due to a knee injury that he suffered on Dec. 4.
Claypool hasn't yet established himself with the Bears, who paid a high price to land him. With Chicago struggling at 3-12, that second-round pick is currently in line to be the No. 34 overall pick in the NFL Draft. There's added pressure on Claypool to perform because of that.
"I hope people haven't counted me out yet," Claypool said Thursday. "I got a lot to bring to the table."
Claypool returned to practice in a limited role Thursday and hopes to play when the Bears visit the Lions on Sunday. If Claypool can get healthy, he'll have the chance in the final two games of the season to be the top wide receiver for second-year quarterback Justin Fields, who has operated with a patchwork offense in 2022.
Once the season comes to an end, the 24-year-old Claypool knows the real work will begin. Claypool intends to work out with Fields and the Bears' wide receivers this offseason in an effort to form a stronger bond. Chicago paid a significant price to acquire Claypool, and he wants to reward that faith.
"I am excited about this player," Bears general manager Ryan Poles said in November after landing Claypool. "I've really liked the way that our offense is starting to come together and move. I thought it was important to add another impact player to our offense to go along with the guys that we currently have in the receiver room right now. I like the way Justin is trending, and I think adding another big body who's physical, explosive, great leaping ability, can stretch the field but also is violent with the ball in his hand as well as a blocker, I think it enhances everyone around him."
A second-round pick of the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft, Claypool was a key figure in Pittsburgh's offense over parts of three seasons. He hauled in 153 receptions for 2,044 yards and 12 scores over 39 games with the team. Claypool topped out with nine touchdowns in his rookie season, but his production has fallen off since.
Claypool understands that in Chicago, he needs to live up to his end of the deal. He's hopeful about what's to come.
"We traded away a top second-round pick, very valuable," Claypool said. "I smile because I know it was a great trade for the organization.
"I'm very confident that fans, organization, team will be happy."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
Listen live to 670 The Score via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker
