Chase Claypool, a wide receiver who has been sidelined from the NFL since 2023, worked out for the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday. While he did not sign with the team immediately after the workout, the possibility remains that he could join the Colts in the near future, according to NFL Network's Mike Garalofo.
Claypool, 28, has been attempting to make good on his past declaration of being a "top-three" wide receiver. His NFL career, which began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been marked by inconsistency. After a promising start, he faced criticism for questionable effort, mental lapses, and injuries. A notable incident occurred in a 2021 game against the Vikings, where his celebration after a late first-down catch drew criticism for costing the team valuable time.
The Steelers traded Claypool to the Chicago Bears before the 2022 trade deadline, with the team hoping he could become a key offensive weapon. However, his tenure in Chicago was disappointing, resulting in 191 receiving yards in 10 games and a winless streak for the team. During his time with the Bears, Claypool was criticized for dropped passes, a lack of effort on routes, and poor blocking.
In early 2023, Claypool was traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he made only four catches in seven games. He has not participated in an NFL game since. He was also seen at the Green Bay Packers' rookie camp on a tryout basis in May.
The Colts' receiver group currently includes players like Alec Pierce, who is recovering from ankle surgery, Josh Downs, and Ashton Dulin. Claypool could potentially provide depth for the team, particularly after the offseason departure of star receiver Michael Pittman Jr.