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Chase Claypool’s short time with the Bears hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. Whether it’s being thrown into a new system at the end of the year or battling injuries, Claypool has seen his share of struggles that have many doubting whether Chicago should’ve traded for him last November.
While the 2023 season presents a chance for a clean slate, it doesn’t sound like Claypool is currently living up to expectations from those inside Halas Hall, according to ESPN’s Waddle & Silvy show.
“All I can tell you is it isn’t trending in a way that the Bears have wanted it to trend in this offseason,” Marc Silverman said Wednesday.
While Claypool participated in the first week of organized team activities, he’s been sidelined for the last three weeks (two weeks of OTAs and mandatory minicamp) as he deals with what coach Matt Eberflus called a “soft tissue” injury.
“He’s dealing with a few things right now,” Eberflus said this week. “He’s working with the training staff [but] he is here.”
WADDLE & SILVY@WaddleandSilvy has heard that the @ChicagoBears aren't happy with where things are with Chase Claypool@TWaddle87 pic.twitter.com/Xc0kjlDf7Z
— ESPN 1000 (@ESPN1000) June 14, 2023
Silverman added that he’s heard Claypool’s mentality isn’t where the Bears would like it to be, but there is still time for him to turn things around.
“I have heard from a few people inside that building that he is not somebody who is very self-motivated,” Silverman said. “There’s a long way to go. Chase Claypool can change the narrative.”
Claypool is entering a contract year with the Bears, where he’ll be looking to prove they made the right decision in trading their 2023 second-round pick (a borderline first-rounder) in exchange for his services.
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