MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Chase Claypool has a new team and a new outlook. But before he could take his first snap with the Miami Dolphins, he had to address why things went sideways during his short time in Chicago.
Eleven months after they surrendered what would eventually become the 32nd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to acquire Claypool, the Bears gave him away for next to nothing.
Last week, the Dolphins acquired the last three months of Claypool’s rookie contract for draft compensation that is the equivalent of a 2025 seventh-round draft pick.
So yeah, the Bears were done with Claypool, and it wasn’t a secret why. They had big-time issues with his attitude, which manifested itself with sub-standard effort in games.
Claypool gets a fresh start in Miami and a chance to change the perception most have of him.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
Chase Claypool Meets With Miami Dolphins Media
“I just think that, when you lose like a lot of games in a row, you know, there’s frustration, naturally. I think, you know, that’s new for everybody,” Claypool said.
“I’m sure from the top down. So I think [I’m] just being excited, you know, about like, you know, getting some wins and stuff like that. I think that just comes naturally. And once you start winning, you know, things start getting less pressure, obviously.”
New Miami Dolphins WR Chase Claypool pic.twitter.com/T1Ds45YOkV
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) October 11, 2023
It’s hard to blame him. The Bears won last week for the first time in their last 15 games. The trade took him from the cellar to the penthouse.
Claypool practiced for the first time with his new club on Wednesday. Despite speculation that the Dolphins might use him at tight end, Claypool is a wide receiver in Miami, Mike McDaniel said.
But he’s a different kind of wide receiver than the Dolphins largely have. He’s two inches taller and 41 pounds heavier than anyone in his position group — which means that, assuming he gives the proper effort, he will be a very effective blocker.
“I love it,” Claypool said of blocking. “It is really fun for me, and [I’m] just trying to polish that every day.”
Added Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle: “Oh man, he looks like a freakin’ machine out there.”
MORE: Miami Dolphins Depth Chart
Claypool added that he knows he’s a good teammate and intends to demonstrate that here — naturally.
“Don’t have too much to try to prove that,” he said. “Just be myself, and I’m excited about being around a new group of guys and showing what I can do.”