‘Strongest and fastest I’ve ever been’ — Offensive weapon Packers GM has always liked is pushing for an NFL comeback

Three years ago, Brian Gutekunst got close to pulling the trigger on his most aggressive move as the Green Bay Packers general manager. Right before the trade deadline, he offered a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool . Happily for the Packers, though, the Steelers took a similar offer from the Chicago Bears expecting a higher pick—the correct guess.

Claypool’s experience with the Bears went really bad, and his experiences with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills weren’t much better for his value. However, the former second-round pick is getting ready for an NFL comeback.

On his Instagram profile, Claypool posted a testimonial about his recovery process.

“I tore a ligament and a tendon in my second toe and have been rehabbing, working out, and recovering every day for the past year. I am back to being the strongest and fastest I’ve ever been and couldn’t be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves. I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what’s been suppressed these last two years.” — Chase Claypool.

The Packers were obviously lucky that the Steelers didn’t accept their offer in 2022, but it’s clear how much Brian Gutekunst liked him as a player. Sure, nobody would come close to sending any type of draft pick for him, but this is not where things are anymore.

Claypool just wants a chance on a 90-man roster, and this is something the Packers can offer. Especially with Christian Watson hurt, Green Bay could sign the wide receiver for the veteran minimum and allow him to compete for a roster spot—or at least a practice squad spot down the road.

Even though Claypool has been disappointing for several reasons, the talent is there. He had two 800-yard seasons to start his career for the Steelers, and there’s little doubt that head coach Matt LaFleur would be better than Claypool’s former coaches to extract more out of him. Moreover, the Packers do have a strong culture to absorb this type of bet.

Earlier this offseason, Green Bay already signed another former second-round pick, 27-year-old veteran receiver in Mecole Hardman. Creating more competition without compromising any real asset wouldn’t be a bad strategy, and it might make sense considering where Claypool is at this point of his journey.

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