LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Early Tuesday morning before the real buzz began, Bears quarterback Justin Fields received a text message from general manager Ryan Poles. That’s how he learned his team was acquiring receiver Chase Claypool from the Steelers.
"He's a playmaker, big body, athletic, fast, good ball catch,” Fields said. “I was excited, of course."
The Bears traded their 2023 second-round pick to the Steelers on Tuesday in exchange for the 24-year-old Claypool, adding a productive target for Fields and a struggling passing offense. It was a significant investment in the 23-year-old Fields, whom Poles sees ascending in his second NFL season.
Claypool sees growth in Fields too, which is why he was eager to arrive at Halas Hall on Wednesday morning.
"I know a lot of people are excited about how he's playing, and I'm one of those people,” Claypool said. “I'm excited to work with him."
A second-round pick of the Steelers in 2020, Claypool had 153 receptions for 2,044 yards and 12 touchdowns in 39 games for Pittsburgh. He's currently set to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
In the Steelers' 2-6 start, Claypool wasn't producing at the level he did in his first two seasons. He had just 32 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown in eight games. Part of that dip stemmed from Pittsburgh's poor offense, which has switched between former Chicago quarterback Mitch Trubisky and rookie Kenny Pickett. Claypool was averaging just more than six targets per game and only 9.7 yards per catch.
For his part, Claypool believes he can help elevate Chicago’s offense and feels the belief of his new team.
“They see where I can provide them a lot of value,” Claypool said. “I think they want to utilize that.
"I'm a playmaker, and I'm excited to make plays."
Poles indicated Fields' growth was a factor in the Bears' decision to acquire Claypool. Chicago has scored 33 and 29 points in its last two games as Fields has continued to show progress and more comfort as the season has gone on.
“I like the way Justin is trending,” Poles said Tuesday after the NFL trade deadline passed. “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.
“You can never have enough weapons and guys that help your quarterback gain confidence.”
Claypool joins the Bears as a young player who's still working on his rookie contract. By trading a second-round pick, Poles seemed to be eyeing a long-term investment in Claypool with the hope that he can solidify Chicago’s receiving corps.
At the same time, Poles indicated he wants to see Claypool earn his future with the Bears. That’s a message that Claypool is taking to heart as he joins his new team. He's ready to prove his place in Chicago.
"I'm going to go play ball,” Claypool said. “And do what I do.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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