The Green Bay Packers’ struggles on offense in 2022 without Davante Adams have been well-documented, and many are calling for GM Brian Gutekunst to improve the supporting cast around Aaron Rodgers.
In the offseason, the Packers traded Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for 2022 first and second-round picks. Despite holding two first-rounders, the Packers decided not to select a receiver until round two, when they snagged North Dakota state product 34th overall.
The lack of game-changing pass-catchers around Rodgers has been on display over the last two weeks. Green Bay lost to the New York Giants in Week 5 before suffering a humiliating 27-10 home loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.
With the Nov. 1 NFL trade deadline just around the corner, it certainly makes sense for Green Bay to acquire some receiving help. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler mentioned one big name as a potential trade target for Gutekunst: Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Chase Claypool:
“A few general managers I’ve spoken to are certain Green Bay is looking for potential receiver help on the trade market. One player who makes sense is Pittsburgh’s Chase Claypool, who multiple execs believe was available in the preseason, though at a hefty price.
Claypool is coming off a big seven-catch, 96-yard game to get back on track, so perhaps that makes him more attractive for the Steelers to keep. The rumors of his availability have persisted for a while now, though. He’s a major talent whose production has declined in each of the past two years.”
The 24-year-old Claypool got off to a sluggish start this season, but he pieced together a phenomenal outing on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Claypool racked up seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, leading Pittsburgh to a stunning 20-18 upset over Tom Brady’s Bucs. Claypool made a 17-yard catch on a pivotal 3rd-and-16 play and a highlight reel 26-yarder on 3rd-and-11 on the final drive to help Pittsburgh melt the clock and seal the victory.
Allen Lazard is Green Bay’s leading receiver with 285 yards and four touchdowns on 20 receptions. Veteran Randall Cobb is second with 257 yards, followed by rookie Romeo Doubs (234) and tight end Robert Tonyan (219).
Claypool has 23 receptions for 225 yards and one touchdown on the year, though he showed promise in both 2020 and 2021 by surpassing the 800-yard mark both years. Perhaps a move to Green Bay and the chance to play with the four-time league MVP could help Claypool take his game to another level.
