PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool could be headed to the Canadian Football League. According to Pro Football Focus, the former second-round pick has been added to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ exclusive negotiation list, allowing him to join the team this upcoming season.
Now, it’s important to note that CFL teams can add anyone to their exclusive negotiation list, but chances are they aren’t going to waste a spot on that list for a player who is not coming to the league. Those spots count as roster spots, meaning it would not make sense for a team to add Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers.
However, adding Claypool could be an indication that he’s considering a return to his home country of Canada. The former Steelers wideout remains a free agent and has had little noise surrounding him as teams approach the NFL Draft. At this point, it’s unclear if he’ll re-sign this offseason.
The Steelers traded Claypool to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a second-round pick in 2022. They used that pick to select Joey Porter Jr. As for Claypool, he played just 10 games for Chicago before being dealt to the Miami Dolphins.
Last season, he played in 12 games, catching eight passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Claypool is from Abbotsford, British Columbia. He came to the United States as a recruit to Notre Dame and eventually ended up in the NFL as a player with plenty of upside. At 25-years-old, his career could be taking a turn and headed north.
