NFL Rumors: Steelers Won't Trade Young Wide Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a receiving corps bursting at the seams with youth and depth, but that doesn't mean they'll let themselves be swindled out of cheap, talented players. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Steelers will hold onto wide receiver Chase Claypool ahead of the November 1st trade deadline despite interest from multiple teams.

Big-name WRs generating trade interest:
-- #Texans WR Brandin Cooks has been the target of multiple calls.
-- #Steelers WR Chase Claypool has been in focus, but is not expected to be deal, barring a shift.
-- Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy has been the center of calls, as DEN sputtered.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2022

Claypool has generated repeated inquiries from curious teams over the past couple of years. Now in his third year, Claypool offers a tantalizing physical profile that many teams believe has been underutilized in the stagnant Steelers offense.

Despite the additions of rookies George Pickens and Calvin Austin, Claypool has continued to dominate playing time in the Steelers offense, trailing only Diontae Johnson in snaps played. His production and efficiency have regressed following the departure of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, falling from 55.9 receiving yards per game and 8.1 yards per target across his first two seasons to 38.0 yards per game and 6.0 yards per target through seven appearances this year.

Claypool joined the Steelers as their 49th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after four years at Notre Dame. He flashed enormous potential as a rookie, nabbing 62 receptions for 873 yards and totalling 11 touchdowns, but he has yet to take a leap forward since that promising debut. Clearly, teams around the league believe a change of scenery could help him do it.