chase claypool

Chase Claypool’s NFL Comeback Attempt: Can the Former Steelers Star Reboot His Career With the Packers?

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Updated May 15, 2026 | 10-minute read

The NFL offseason is always a time of movement—free agency, trades, and training camps bring new energy to teams across the league. But this spring, one story has quietly captured attention among fans of the Green Bay Packers: former wide receiver Chase Claypool is trying out at the team’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

With over 20,000 searches in just the past week alone, Claypool’s attempt to revive his professional football career is generating buzz far beyond typical roster speculation. Once a highly touted second-round pick from Notre Dame who lit up the field with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Claypool has faced a turbulent journey through the NFL. Now, at age 27, he’s back in the conversation—this time with the Packers.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about Chase Claypool’s latest NFL comeback bid, why it matters, what led him here, and where things might go next.

The Main Narrative: A Surprise Tryout Sparks Hope

On May 1st, 2026, the Green Bay Packers opened their rookie minicamp—a three-day event designed to evaluate undrafted free agents and developmental prospects. To many observers, it was business as usual. But when the official roster was posted, one name stood out: Chase Claypool.

According to verified reports from Packers Wire, NBC Sports, and NFL.com, Claypool was listed as a tryout participant for the camp. This isn’t a formal signing; rather, it gives him a chance to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot on the practice squad or even deeper into the roster.

“We’re always evaluating talent,” said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst in a brief statement. “Chase has NFL experience and a proven track record. We’ll see how he fits into our system.”

For Claypool, this represents more than just another audition—it’s a lifeline. After being released by the Buffalo Bills during training camp last August without ever playing a snap in 2024, and going unsigned through the entire 2025 season, the Canadian-born receiver finds himself at a career crossroads.

His last NFL action came in nine games with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, where he caught 19 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Since then, injuries, off-field issues, and inconsistent performance have derailed what many believed could be a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

But now, with the Packers—an organization known for developing young talent and giving players second chances—willing to give him a shot, Claypool’s story takes on renewed significance.

Recent Updates: What’s Happening Right Now?

Let’s break down the timeline of events leading up to today:

May 1, 2026

• Packers open rookie minicamp.
• Official rosters published include Chase Claypool as a tryout player.
• Multiple outlets—including Packers Wire, NBC Sports, and NFL.com—report on his participation.

April 2026

• Claypool remains unsigned throughout the NFL draft process.
• No team expresses public interest, though multiple sources indicate informal conversations occurred.

August 2024

• Released by the Buffalo Bills after landing on injured reserve during training camp.
• Never appeared in a regular-season game that year.

2023 Season

• Played nine games with the Miami Dolphins.
• Recorded 19 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns.
• Signed a one-year deal worth $2 million with incentives.

2022

• Traded from Pittsburgh Steelers to Chicago Bears in exchange for a second-round pick (No. 39 overall).
• Struggled to find chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields.
• Played only 10 games before being released in December.

2020–2021 (Steelers Era)

• Drafted in the second round (64th overall) out of Notre Dame.
• Showcased explosive athleticism and red-zone threat.
• Recorded 1,143 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns over two seasons.

Contextual Background: From Star to Scapegoat

To understand why Claypool’s current situation is so compelling, we must look back at his rise and fall.

Early Promise

Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Chase Claypool arrived at Notre Dame as one of the most physically imposing receivers in college football. At 6’4” and 236 pounds, he combined size, speed, and leaping ability rarely seen outside the NFL.

During his sophomore year in 2019, Claypool had a breakout season:
- 78 receptions for 1,037 yards and 12 touchdowns.
- Named First-Team All-American.
- Selected by the Steelers with the second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

In his rookie season, he finished with 37 catches for 509 yards and four scores, showing flashes of brilliance alongside Ben Roethlisberger.

The Decline Begins

Things began to unravel in 2021. Injuries limited him to 10 games, and his production dipped. Off-field distractions emerged—reports surfaced about disciplinary issues, including an arrest for domestic violence (charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence).

Despite these challenges, the Steelers traded up to acquire him in the 2022 deal with the Bears. The expectation was clear: fix Claypool or lose him.

But in Chicago, nothing improved. He struggled with route running, dropped passes, and failed to connect with rookie QB Justin Fields. By midseason, rumors swirled about his future with the team.

Miami and Beyond

The Dolphins signed him in March 2023, hoping to reignite his career under Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme. For a brief moment, it looked promising—but injuries and inconsistency returned. After appearing in just nine games, he was released in October.

Then came the long silence.

From late 2023 through early 2026, there was no word on whether Claypool would return to the NFL. Some analysts speculated he’d retire. Others believed he was still training, waiting for the right opportunity.

That changed in summer 2025, when he announced via Instagram that he planned to return to the league—but again, no team stepped forward.

Now, with the Packers offering a platform, the narrative shifts once more.

Immediate Effects: What Does This Mean for the Packers?

At first glance, adding a player with Claypool’s résumé seems risky. After all, he hasn’t played consistently since 2023 and carries baggage from both on-field and off-field struggles.

Yet, the Packers are in a unique position. They’ve recently drafted talented wideouts like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs, but depth remains a concern, especially behind Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks.

Head coach Matt LaFleur values versatility and physicality in his receivers. Claypool fits that mold—he’s a natural possession receiver who excels in contested catches and blocking.

Moreover, Green Bay has a history of taking chances on overlooked talent. Players like Aaron Jones and Jordan Love were once considered gambles; both thrived.

If Claypool can regain his confidence and health, he could become an instant contributor. Even if he doesn’t make the final roster, his presence adds intrigue to training camp.

As one anonymous NFC scout told The Athletic:

“You don’t get many 6-foot-4, 240-pound athletes who can run routes like Claypool. If he’s clean and focused, he’s worth the risk.”

Future Outlook: Can Claypool Actually Make It Back?

So what’s next? Will Chase Claypool actually sign with the Packers—and more importantly, will he succeed?

Several factors will determine his fate:

1. Physical Condition

Claypool has been injury-prone throughout his career. Knee problems and concussions have sidelined him repeatedly. If he’s fully healthy and able to train at peak capacity, his upside increases dramatically.

2. Mental Game

Off-field incidents and contract disputes suggest maturity wasn’t always his strength. But at 27, he may finally be ready to mature into a leader. Reports indicate he’s worked hard on discipline and focus since leaving Miami.

3. Team Fit

The Packers run a complex West Coast offense with heavy emphasis on timing and precision. Claypool’s ability to learn quickly and adapt will be critical. If LaFleur believes he can develop him, he’ll get every opportunity.

4. Competition

Green Bay already has several young receivers ahead of him on the depth chart. Unless Claypool outperforms them in workouts and scrim