Eagles Rumors: Former second-round WR listed as potential trade target

Brian Cass
October 2, 2023
Eagles
0 Comments

According to NFL insider Matt Lombardo, the Eagles could be in play for WR Chase Claypool when/if the Chicago Bears part ways with him.

Eagles linked to WR Chase Claypool

Spoke to an #NFL Scout who suggested a couple contenders who could trade “peanuts” for #Bears WR Chase Claypool | @FanBuzz

MORE: https://t.co/4a5kWmCxbQ pic.twitter.com/augZvlwjj2
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) October 2, 2023

A former second-round selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Claypool was traded to Chicago halfway through last season. The Bears gave up a second-round pick for him, which resulted Pittsburgh selecting CB Joey Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick. Since joining Chicago, Claypool has accumulated 18 receptions for 191 yards and one touchdown.

He’s also had a number of character concerns, which is part of the reason why Pittsburgh moved off from him just two and a half years into his NFL career. In Week 1 of this season, Claypool was getting dragged on social media for his lack of effort.

Claypool looks completely uninterested here

Zero effort shown by Chase Claypool. What happened to him? pic.twitter.com/b8thKums2s
— OddsStack (@OddsStack) September 13, 2023

DraftKings Sportsbook: Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly

Sign up for a new DraftKings account
Make Your First Deposit
Bet $5+ On Any Sport
Receive $200 In Bonus Bets Instantly

Claim your free $200 now >>

Fast forward to Week 4, Claypool was asked by team officials to stay home for Chicago’s contest against Denver. Now, he finds himself on the trade block, and the Eagles might be interested (probably not though).

Lombardo writes, “The Eagles have a strong locker room and a well-established competitive culture that could light a fire under Claypool, along with the need for a third receiving option to emerge out of the wide receiver room. It’s probably unlikely that the Eagles trade anything of consequence, but general manager Howie Roseman and Bears GM Ryan Poles did strike a deal last fall for linebacker Roquan Smith; so perhaps for the right price, this could be Claypool’s best fit.”

First off, it’s hard to trust Lombardo on anything he says here because the Eagles didn’t trade for Roquan Smith. He just made that up; Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Secondly, I don’t agree that the Eagles actually need a third receiving threat. Philly has three legitimate options in the passing game already – AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. Olamide Zaccheaus has been fine as the WR3, and once Quez Watkins returns from injury, there won’t be a need for any additional depth. Especially when that depth piece is a reclamation project.

There’s a reason Claypool will be on his third team in four years once Chicago trades him away. Reportedly, they’re asking for nothing more than a fifth or sixth-round pick. They traded a second-round pick for him less than a year ago. That should tell you everything you need to know.