Buffalo Bills Sign Canadian Wide Receiver Chase Claypool

The Buffalo Bills are adding some intriguing talent to their receiver corps. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bills are wrapping up a deal for former Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chase Claypool.

Another receiver in Buffalo: Bills signed former Bears and Steelers WR Chase Claypool. pic.twitter.com/UHdYeNhdg3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 3, 2024

Claypool, who was born and raised in Abbotsford, British Columbia, entered the league as the 49th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Thanks to his massive frame (6'4", 238 lbs) and explosive athleticism (4.42 40-yard dash, 40.5 vertical leap), Claypool was a rookie sensation for the Steelers, totalling 889 yards from scrimmage and leading the team with 11 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Claypool quickly wore out his welcome in Pittsburgh, allegedly due to attitude issues. Still, his value around the league was significant enough that the Steelers managed to pry a 2023 second-round pick from the Chicago Bears in a 2022 mid-season trade. That backfired spectacularly for the Bears; Claypool would go on to total a mere 195 yards from scrimmage over 10 appearances for the Bears, who finished with the worst record in the league in 2022 and thus handed the Steelers the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bears cut bait on Claypool last season, trading him to the Dolphins for a late-round pick swap in 2025.

Claypool is a worthy gamble for a Bills team desperate for pass catchers after trading away Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason. Claypool is still only 25 years old and has otherworldly talent, so as long as he can be had on a cheap contract, he's definitely worth a flier. He'll compete for a WR3 role behind rookie second-round pick Keon Coleman and veteran Khalil Shakir.