NFL Rumors: Signs point toward Chargers as Chase Claypool destination
The Chicago Bears are seeking a fifth or sixth-round pick in trade talks centered on WR Chase Claypool, who was a healthy scratch for the team's Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos. Claypool was acquired for a second-round pick midway through the 2022 season, but he has struggled mightily to carve out a consistent role in the Bears offense. His frustration boiled over when he criticized the coaching staff a week ago.
Claypool's value has never been lower and there's no reason teams will drive up the price in a bidding war for the Notre Dame product. Still, he's a former second-round pick with impressive physical tools at 6-foot-4. He's also young, only 25 years old, so there's time for him to grow as a person and as a player.
One team that could emerge from the shadows is the Los Angeles Chargers. Some might say the stars align.
The Chargers:
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) October 1, 2023
Love big bodied WRs (Claypool is 6’4 and they just lost Mike Williams)
Love Notre Dame players who played under Brian Kelly (Claypool went to ND)
Have traded with Ryan Poles before (Khalil Mack trade)
I don’t want it to happen, wouldn’t be surprised if it did https://t.co/1TohI1keGI
With Mike Williams out for the season with a torn ACL, it would make sense for the Chargers to seek out reinforcements in the WR room. Claypool does fit the profile of Los Angeles' offense as a tall big-play threat who Justin Herbert can target on his signature down-field bombs.
The Chargers have a track record of getting the most out of role-player receivers in Claypool's mold. He's no longer in a position to demand a significant target share, but Claypool sprinting up the sidelines while defenses key in on Keenan Allen does have some hypothetical appeal.