Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have been in the spotlight this week, drawing significant attention across the NFL landscape. These developments highlight the unpredictable nature of professional football careers, even for players with substantial achievements.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Swift Exit
JuJu Smith-Schuster, known for his vibrant personality and playmaking ability, was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's tenure with the Patriots was notable for its brevity and perhaps a reminder of the often harsh realities of the sport.
The former Steelers star is now on the hunt for a new team, hoping to find an organization willing to harness his talents. Smith-Schuster's release comes as a surprise to many, given his past contributions and potential. Yet, the NFL's competitive environment means that even established players like Smith-Schuster must continuously prove their worth.
The Commanders Add Speed
Another former Steelers receiver making headlines is Martavis Bryant, who has been signed by the Washington Commanders. Known for his exceptional speed and ability to make big plays, Bryant's addition is a strategic move by the Commanders to strengthen their receiving corps.
Bryant's career has seen its ups and downs, but his signing with Washington represents a new chapter and an opportunity to once again showcase his talents on the field. The Commanders' decision to bring Bryant on board signals their intent to add depth and explosiveness to their offensive unit.
Chase Claypool's Uncertain Future
Meanwhile, Chase Claypool's journey has taken a concerning turn. The Buffalo Bills placed the wide receiver on injured reserve following a toe injury he sustained on July 28. Originally described as a "day-to-day" issue by head coach Sean McDermott, the severity of the injury has since raised fears that Claypool may miss the entire 2024 season.
“It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them,” McDermott stated, reflecting on the impact Claypool's absence could have on the team. “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
Claypool's career began with promise when the Steelers selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie season was particularly impressive, scoring 11 touchdowns and becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his subsequent seasons have been marred by inconsistency and injuries.
Traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline, Claypool struggled to find his footing, catching only one touchdown in his first eight games with Pittsburgh and just eight of 21 targets while with the Bears and Dolphins last year. Despite these challenges, he earned praise during spring practices with the Bills.
Buffalo Bills Trade Stefon Diggs
The Bills have also made another significant move by trading Stefon Diggs to Houston. This trade adds another layer of intrigue to Buffalo's receiving corps and Claypool's position within it. Despite his injury setbacks, McDermott expressed optimism about Claypool's future.
“And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back,” McDermott said. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point.”
This sentiment was echoed in McDermott's additional comments on Claypool's commitment and work ethic: “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.”
As the NFL season progresses, the stories of these former Steelers receivers - Smith-Schuster, Bryant, and Claypool - will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Their journeys highlight the volatility and resilience required in professional sports, where the next opportunity could be just around the corner, but nothing is ever guaranteed.