Former Steelers Wide Receivers Shake Up NFL Rosters
It's been an eventful week for a trio of former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers, who have each made headlines for various reasons, altering the landscape for several NFL teams.
JuJu Smith-Schuster's Quick Exit from New England
JuJu Smith-Schuster, known for his formidable presence during his time with the Steelers, found himself released by the New England Patriots on Tuesday. Smith-Schuster's tenure in New England was notably brief, having joined the team with hopes of revitalizing his career. Now, he faces the challenge of finding another team willing to harness his talents.
Smith-Schuster had shown glimpses of his old self but failed to establish a lasting impact in New England. As he navigates free agency, NFL enthusiasts will be keen to see which franchise extends an opportunity to the dynamic receiver.
Martavis Bryant Joins the Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, Martavis Bryant, another former Steelers wideout, has found a new home with the Washington Commanders. Renowned for his speed and big-play ability, Bryant's signing signifies the Commanders' intent to strengthen their receiving corps ahead of the upcoming season. The addition of Bryant is viewed as a strategic move to enhance the team's offensive versatility.
For Bryant, this opportunity represents a chance to reestablish himself as a key player and contribute significantly to Washington's aerial attack. His explosive talent has always been undeniable, and the Commanders are optimistic about what he can bring to the table.
Chase Claypool's Tough Break with the Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, have had to place Chase Claypool on injured reserve due to a toe injury sustained on July 28. Initially described by head coach Sean McDermott as "day-to-day," the severity of Claypool’s condition has since raised concerns that he might miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
Claypool, who was selected by the Steelers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, had an impressive rookie season, scoring 11 touchdowns and setting a franchise record for the most touchdowns by a rookie in a single game. However, his success has been more sporadic in subsequent seasons. The 2021 season saw him manage just two touchdown catches, and he was traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline.
His brief tenure with both the Bears and the Dolphins last year was unremarkable, as he caught a mere eight of 21 targets. Despite a promising start during spring practices with the Buffalo Bills, his injury has put a significant damper on his potential contributions this year.
McDermott expressed his disappointment, saying, “It's a shame because [some new players have] missed a considerable amount of time – Chase being one of them.” The coach added, “It's just hard to evaluate when the players aren't out there, whether it's Chase or anybody.”
In spite of the setback, McDermott was quick to commend Claypool's dedication, noting, “I know he's fighting like crazy to get back, and we're anxious to have him back.” He continued to praise Claypool's efforts and attitude, saying, “I think he's come in and done all that we could have asked to this point. 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.”
Claypool, only 26 years old, has the potential to bounce back and once again make his mark in the league. His early promise with the Steelers demonstrated his capability, and teams will undoubtedly keep an eye on his recovery and readiness to return to form.
In summary, the futures of these former Steelers wide receivers remain uncertain, with each player facing distinct challenges and opportunities. Whether it's Smith-Schuster's search for a new team, Bryant's bid to deliver on his promise in Washington, or Claypool's battle to overcome injury, one thing is clear: the NFL landscape continues to be dynamic, shaped by the highs and lows of its players.