Bears’ Chase Claypool ‘needs to grow up a bit,’ says Steelers great Hines Ward

Bears’ Chase Claypool ‘needs to grow up a bit,’ says Steelers great Hines Ward

Chase Claypool’s tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t last long, as the team traded him to the Chicago Bears at the NFL trade deadline during the 2022 season.

He had 153 receptions for 2,044 yards and 12 touchdowns during his time with the Steelers, but he didn’t seem to get enough support with some of his actions. He drew the ire of Cam Heyward when he suggested that the music played in practice would be more “fun”. He also criticized the Cleveland Browns after their AFC North rival knocked them out of the playoffs.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, #86, stands on the field before a game on September 14, 2008 against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland. (images of diamonds/fake images)

Steelers great Hines Ward spoke about Claypool in a recent interview with Chat Sports.

“Sometimes I think with Chase, it became more about Chase and less about the team,” the former NFL wide receiver said. “I think there’s a little more maturity on his part. He needs to grow up a bit.”

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Chicago Bears number 10 Chase Claypool looks on before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field on November 6, 2022 in Chicago.

Chicago Bears number 10 Chase Claypool looks on before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field on November 6, 2022 in Chicago. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh invested a second-round draft pick on the former Notre Dame standout in 2020. He conceded 109 targets in his rookie season, but they began to dwindle during his sophomore and junior years in the NFL.

With the Bears, he had 14 receptions for 140 yards in seven games, but didn’t score a touchdown.

Claypool could become a prime target for Justin Fields once he gets more practice time and a few more games under his belt with the offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers number 11 Chase Claypool catches a pass during warmups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers number 11 Chase Claypool catches a pass during warmups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

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The Bears went 3-14 last year in his first season under Matt Eberflus.

By Jacob Wilson

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