(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a tough time finding their new go-to guy in the passing game.
Antonio Brown was a generational talent and finding someone who could match his production was a bit of an uphill battle.
And with JuJu Smith-Schuster failing to live up to the task, they hoped Chase Claypool could pick up the slack and become their next superstar.
That wasn’t the case, and they traded him to the Chicago Bears last season in a move that didn’t make Steelers fans bat an eye.
Claypool’s inefficiency and inconsistency were subjects for debate on Steelers forums quite often, so most of them welcomed that move with open arms.
Now, looking back, Steelers legend Hines Ward believes Claypool’s issues had to do with immaturity and urged him to get his act together to fulfill his potential.
“Sometimes I think with Chase, it became more about Chase and less about the team,” Ward said. “I think there’s a little more maturing level on his part. He needs to grow up a little bit”.
Hines Ward on Chase Claypool: “Sometimes I think with Chase, it became more about Chase and less about the team. I think there’s a little more maturing level on his part. He needs to grow up a little bit”. #Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) February 19, 2023
Claypool is a physical specimen.
He’s got the build and frame to be a mismatch on every single route, but he was so full of himself and didn’t seem to actually care whether the team won or lost.
He even became infamous for celebrating a first down instead of rushing to line up, costing his team a must-win game, and he failed to be held accountable and admit his wrongdoing when called out.
Claypool is still quite young and will have an opportunity to reach his potential with the Bears.
But it’s still a shame to think how great he could’ve been for a team desperately craving a spark in the passing game.
The post Steelers Legend Has A Message For Chase Claypool appeared first on The Cold Wire.
