Bears’ Ryan Poles on Chase Claypool: ‘I Wish Him Luck’ amid Trade, Release Rumors.
Chase Claypool of the Chicago Bears was a healthy scratch for the second time in a week on Thursday night ahead of a game against the Washington Commanders, and it looks his time with the team is coming to an end.
“I think Chase is going to learn from this situation, I think we all will, and I wish him luck moving forward throughout his career,” general manager Ryan Poles said ahead of Thursday’s game on ESPN 1000 (h/t ESPN’s Courtney Cronin).
According to Cronin, Claypool got dissatisfied with his position in Chicago’s offense last week, telling reporters that he didn’t believe he was being used to his full potential.
“Sometimes the things around you either elevate you or you have to adapt to allow you to elevate with them,” he went on to say. “So I’ve just been adapting to the new system and my new role in the system and trying to make the most out of it.”
Courtney Cronin’s Twitter handle is @CourtneyRCronin.
Here’s our conversation about Chase Claypool’s belief that he isn’t being used to his full potential, starting with the two questions I posed. I take offense to the premise that quotes from athletes are cherry-picked, and you can see it for yourself.
He was the focus of public attention and effort early in the season for failing to demonstrate effort as a run blocker. He allegedly apologized to his teammates and coaches for his lack of effort, and the rift was repaired.
However, following his comments last week, the Bears made him inactive on Saturday, and he was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Cronin stated that the Bears advised him on Monday that he would be inactive on Thursday as well, and that he should avoid the team.
Courtney Cronin @CourtneyRCronin Poles stated that the Bears are “taking it day by day to figure out what our next move is” with Chase Claypool, who is still on the roster despite being inactive tonight. He’s been away from the Bears for the entire week at the team’s request.
Poles, who sold a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Claypool last season, voiced dissatisfaction with the outcome:
“You’re always disappointed in this situation, and that’s something I take full responsibility for.” We wanted to add another receiver to the offense last year, not just to help us be more productive, but also to assist [quarterback] Justin [Fields] take the next step. The correct mental process was present, and I am at ease with that. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, and we were wanting for him to be a little more productive and help us take it to the next level.”
Claypool’s time with Chicago was a catastrophe, with only 18 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown in 10 games.
The 25-year-old, who was drafted in the second round in 2020, has undeniable skill. However, he has slowly fallen after a stellar rookie season (62 catches for 873 yards and nine touchdowns). And now his NFL career is in doubt after a second team dropped him within a calendar year.
