The Chicago Bears are trading for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Chase Claypool ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, giving quarterback Justin Fields a playmaker on offense.
The Bears sent a 2023 second-round pick to the Steelers for Claypool, as general manager Ryan Poles is investing draft capital in Fields. Numerous reports have indicated that second-round pick is Chicago’s, not the one they acquired from the Baltimore Ravens for linebacker Roquan Smith.
Receiver was a huge need for this roster, and the 2023 free agent class doesn’t sport any big names. So while the price was certainly high, it’s hard to be mad at the move considering Poles invested in a premium position to help his young quarterback.
Chicago now has eight draft selections in the 2023 NFL draft, including five in the first four rounds.
Here’s an updated look at the Bears’ 2023 draft picks (exact picks TBD):
- First-round pick
- Second-round pick (from Ravens)
- Third-round pick
- Fourth-round pick
- Fourth-round pick (from Eagles)
- Fifth-round pick
- Fifth-round pick (from Ravens)
- Seventh-round pick
We know Poles is someone who wants to rebuild this roster through the draft, and he’s already done that to the tune of three additional draft picks over the last week. But he’s also committed to using draft capital to help Fields, which is why the Claypool move makes sense. And Poles will certainly look to continue to address receiver during the offseason.
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