Chase Claypool to Bears Fantasy Impact: George Pickens Stock Rises With Deadline Trade

Justin Fields’ play on the field has been trending up in recent weeks, and now he has a new weapon to work with. According to reports, the Bears have landed wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Steelers on deadline day.

The cost for Chicago to land Claypool? A 2023 second-round pick.

It’s been a down year for the Notre Dame product, as he’s totaled 311 receiving yards on 32 receptions with just one touchdown over eight games. That being said, Claypool racked up 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns over 2020-21.

For the Steelers, the obvious beneficiary of the move is rookie wideout George Pickens and possibly Pat Freiermuth.

For more analysis on this trade from a fantasy perspective, read on below for expert takes from Action Network's staff.

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Chase Claypool Fantasy Football Reaction

Sean Koerner: Needless to say, George Pickens' stock goes way up. I see him as an every-week WR3 with WR2 upside. He’s already rostered in most leagues, so the only way to take advantage of this is to try to pry him away from whoever has him.

For Claypool, it's not really the best landing spot for him as the Bears are quite run-heavy. His stock takes a hit, but maybe Chicago will throw a bit more going forward with him on the team.

Chris Raybon: Pittsburgh trading Claypool should eventually make way for Calvin Austin to take over as the WR3. However, with him on season-ending IR, the Steelers will have to make do with some combination of Steven Sims, Gunner Olszewski and Miles Boykin in that role.

This should funnel more targets to Diontae Johnson, Pickens and Freiermuth, who each get a bump. Pickens should benefit the most and be able to fully break out down the stretch.