Several former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers are making headlines this week for their movements around the NFL, signaling significant shifts for the teams involved.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Released by the Patriots
JuJu Smith-Schuster was released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday, bringing an abrupt end to his short tenure with the team. The talented wide receiver is now on the lookout for another franchise willing to utilize his skill set. Smith-Schuster, known for his dynamic playmaking ability, will hope to rejuvenate his career elsewhere after an unremarkable stay in New England. Teams in need of a versatile receiver may take interest as the season progresses.
Washington Commanders Sign Martavis Bryant
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders have made a significant move by signing Martavis Bryant. Bryant, lauded for his speed and big-play potential, joins a roster keen on enhancing its receiving corps. The Commanders' decision to bring in Bryant underscores their intent to add depth and explosiveness to their offense. As Bryant integrates into the team's system, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see if he can recapture the form that made him a formidable downfield threat.
Chase Claypool Placed on Injured Reserve
Another former Steeler, Chase Claypool, has faced a challenging setback. The Buffalo Bills placed Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described as "day-to-day" by Head Coach Sean McDermott, the injury's severity has raised concerns that Claypool might miss the entire 2024 season. McDermott expressed his frustration, stating, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.”
Despite this disappointment, McDermott remained supportive of Claypool’s efforts to return. “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody,” he noted. “And I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back.” This injury places a cloud over what could have been a pivotal season for Claypool, who had shown promise in spring practices with the Bills.
Claypool's journey in the NFL has been one of peaks and valleys. Selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact during his rookie season by scoring 11 touchdowns, including becoming the first rookie in Steelers franchise history to score four touchdowns in a single game. However, his subsequent seasons have not mirrored that initial success. In 2021, he scored just two touchdowns and was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline. His performance with the Bears and Dolphins last year was underwhelming, catching only eight of 21 targets.
Despite the setbacks, McDermott remains optimistic about Claypool's contributions when healthy. “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point,” McDermott said. “He's been a good teammate, worked hard, been focused, made plays out there and I think that'll continue as we move forward.” Ending on an encouraging note, McDermott added, “We're happy to have him.”
Buffalo Bills Trade Stefon Diggs to Houston
In another surprising move, the Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to Houston. This trade has major implications for the Bills' receiving options with the season in progress. Known for his reliability and ability to deliver during crucial moments, Diggs' departure leaves a void in the Bills' offense. However, it also signals an opportunity for remaining players to step up in his absence.
As these former Steelers navigate their respective challenges and opportunities, the NFL community will watch closely to see how these developments unfold. Whether it's Smith-Schuster finding a new team, Bryant making explosive plays for the Commanders, or Claypool battling back from injury, the shifting landscape of these wide receivers adds an intriguing layer to this NFL season.