Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers alleviated their long jam at wide receiver by trading Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears Tuesday for a 2023 second-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.

Claypool's departure might be good news for fantasy managers with George Pickens or Diontae Johnson on their roster ahead of the second half of the season.

Johnson is the team leader in receptions (43) and receiving yards (372), though he still hasn't scored his first touchdown.

Pickens has 26 catches for 338 yards and one touchdown in his rookie campaign.

Tuesday's trade doesn't catapult Johnson or Pickens into the elite tier of fantasy wideouts, but Claypool's absence means both players could see more targets each week.

Of the two, Pickens might stand to benefit more. CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson reported the Steelers "feel ready to give [Pickens] an expanded role."

The 2022 second-round pick went without a catch in a Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but had 21 receptions for 273 yards and one score in his preceding four games. His stock was already trending upward as he steadily got more comfortable in Pittsburgh's offense.

Johnson's fantasy ceiling, meanwhile, still may not be that high without Claypool in the mix. He's only averaging 8.7 yards per reception in 2022, and he wasn't a big-play threat en route to making the Pro Bowl in 2021, either. He averaged 10.9 yards per catch while finishing with 1,161 yards overall.

Until Kenny Pickett takes major steps forward or the Steelers upgrade at quarterback in a big way, Johnson's fantasy boost after Tuesday could be marginal.

Pittsburgh is off in Week 9, so you'll have to wait before the impact of the Claypool trade is reflected on your squad. When the time comes to start Johnson or Pickens, both warrant flex consideration.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly trading wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates reported terms of the deal, which come just before the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline.

Schefter later noted the Bears are sending their own second-round pick, rather than the one acquired Monday as part of a deal to send Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens. The Bears' 2023 second-rounder would be a better pick than the Ravens' selection if the season ended today.

Claypool's name had been bandied about in trade rumors for months, with the Steelers setting a high price on the Notre Dame product. He's been one of several Pittsburgh skill-position players to underperform this season amid the team's offensive struggles, but he's a big body (6'4", 238 lbs) with high-end speed and versatile playmaking ability.

Claypool burst onto the scene as a rookie with 873 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns, two of which came as a rusher. His scoring prowess has dipped significantly over the last two seasons, as he's scored just three times over his last 23 games. However, it's fair to wonder how much of that dip in production was caused by the Steelers' lack of offensive explosion the last two seasons.

The Bears are not likely to cause much of a turnaround for Claypool's season. They have been the NFL's most run-heavy team over the first half of the 2022 campaign, scheming their offense around Justin Fields' scrambling and the rushing abilities of David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert.

It's possible Claypool's arrival will lead to a more wide-open passing game, but Darnell Mooney, another young, talented wide receiver, currently sits 52nd in the NFL in targets. This may be more of a long-term move than one designed to make Chicago better right away.

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired cornerback William Jackson III from the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline on Tuesday.

Here are the full terms of the trade:

• Steelers get: CB WIlliam Jackson III, conditional 2025 seventh-round pick
• Commanders get: conditional 2025 sixth-round pick

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network initially reported a deal was being finalized.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier Tuesday that Washington was expected to release Jackson if no trade was completed.

Jackson is in the second year of the three-year, $40.5 million contract he signed with Washington in 2021.

The 2016 first-round pick has been limited to four appearances this season because of a back injury. The Houston product has recorded 16 tackles along with two pass breakups.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Oct. 13 that Jackson was looking to land with another team, "preferably with a scheme that he believes better fits him."

Ultimately, the team decided to move on as well.

Coming into the 2022 season, Pro Football Focus' Anthony Treash ranked Jackson as the No. 24 outside corner, putting him in the "good players with boom-or-bust tendencies" tier. The 6'0" defensive back didn't play up to expectations in 2021, and the back injury has limited his availability this year.

As a result, the secondary has been a mixed bag.

Although Washington is allowing just 214.0 passing yards per game to rank 16th in the NFL, its 99.2 opponent passer rating is the fifth-worst. The Commanders have also allowed 14 touchdown passes, which is tied for the fourth-most.

Jackson joins a Steelers squad that is 2-6 and sits in last place in the AFC North. The Jackson deal comes on the heels of Pittsburgh reportedly trading receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly not expected to trade wide receiver Chase Claypool before the Nov. 1 deadline.

Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported an offer "would have to be perfect" for the Steelers to consider moving the 2020 second-round pick.

Rumors have been rampant about Claypool's future with the franchise, particularly after he criticized the offense's lack of downfield passing.

"I just think we need more go balls," he told reporters after last week's 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. "Like, damn, not enough go balls. We got playmakers. I haven't had a go ball all year. George [Pickens] needs more, [Diontae Johnson] needs more. I'm not saying that's on the play-calling, I'm just saying we need to try to find a way to scheme it up."

Jordan Schultz of theScore previously reported the Steelers were contacted by two teams interested in Claypool and were informed they wanted at least a second-round pick in return. The Green Bay Packers were among the teams heavily rumored to be interested in Claypool as they desperately look to improve the receiving corps around Aaron Rodgers.

Claypool has recorded 28 receptions for 266 yards and a touchdown so far this season while adding 55 yards on eight carries. The Steelers have been one of the worst offenses in football throughout the season, completely lacking in explosive plays after the catch and downfield shots in the passing game.

Claypool had at least 800 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons but has struggled to find his nose for the end zone the last two seasons. After scoring 11 times as a rookie, Claypool has three scores in his last 22 games.

Claypool is under contract for $1.5 million in 2023, the final year of his rookie contract.

The Pittsburgh Steelers might trade Chase Claypool, but it doesn't mean they'll sell low on the third-year wide receiver.

Per Jordan Schultz of The Score, two teams that have contacted the Steelers say the club is seeking a second-round draft pick in order to move Claypool.

As the Steelers offense has struggled amid a 2-5 start to the season, Claypool has been vocal about wanting them to open things up to create more big plays.

"I just think we need more go balls," he told reporters after Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins. "Like, damn, not enough go balls. We got playmakers. I haven't had a go ball all year. George [Pickens] needs more, [Diontae Johnson] needs more. I'm not saying that's on the play-calling, I'm just saying we need to try to find a way to scheme it up."

It's unclear if Pittsburgh's quarterbacks are equipped to make the deep throws that Claypool is seeking. Kenny Pickett ranks third in the NFL with seven interceptions despite playing in just four games. He averaged 5.8 yards per attempt on 44 passes against the Dolphins.

Mitch Trubisky wasn't any better when he was the Steelers' No. 1 quarterback. He threw for 797 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in four starts.

George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth are the only Pittsburgh pass-catchers with at least 20 receptions who are averaging more than 10 yards per catch.

Claypool's best game of the season was in a Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He caught all seven targets for 96 yards and one touchdown. The Notre Dame alum has failed to record more than 50 receiving yards in the other six games.

The Steelers selected Claypool with the No. 49 overall pick in the 2020 draft. He averaged more than 14 yards per reception in each of his first two seasons playing with a diminished version of Ben Roethlisberger.

Claypool has one more year remaining on his rookie deal that will pay him $1.5 million in 2023.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett chalked up his game-sealing interception in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins to a "miscommunication" with wideout Diontae Johnson.

"Clock winding down, I wanted to give [Johnson] a chance to make a play. ... It's just a miscommunication," Pickett said after the game (51-second mark). "I thought he was gonna come back down. He ended up going vertical. I wanted to put it high and outside and give him a chance to make a play, but that's on me there. I gotta run it there and get outta bounds or just throw it out."

Noah Igbinoghene intercepted Pickett in the Dolphins' end zone with 25 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on a play where the rookie quarterback had wide-open space in front of him to run for a first down on 2nd-and-2. It was the third pick of the game for Pickett, who has been turnover-prone in his brief NFL career.

The Pitt product has thrown seven interceptions in 127 pass attempts, giving him by far the league's highest interception rate (5.5 percent).

"I think there is some things to build on," Pickett said. "Turnovers, they can't happen. That cost us the game. I got to fix that. I'll be in there tomorrow working on it."

The Steelers, now sitting at 2-5, seem settled into a rebuilding season with Pickett at the helm. Coach Mike Tomlin also looks like a near-lock to have his first losing season in 16 seasons in Pittsburgh.

Allowing Pickett to have a trial by fire will either make him a better long-term quarterback or give the Steelers a leg up in deciding he's not the franchise face they hoped would replace Ben Roethlisberger.

There is clearly work to be done, both with Pickett's decision-making and his chemistry with receivers. As much as practice works as a good simulation, there's no replacement for Pickett getting on the field and making these calls in real time—even if they sometimes cost the Steelers a win.

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 2-5 on the season with a 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium, and the team's offense, unsurprisingly, struggled again.

Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 32-of-44 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown against three interceptions in his third NFL start. He also rushed for 20 yards on three carries.

George Pickens led the Steelers with six catches for 61 yards and one touchdown, while Najee Harris led the running backs with 17 carries for 65 yards.

Sunday's game was a winnable one for the Steelers, but the team's offense struggled to move the ball, and Pickett fell victim to being slammed by fans on Twitter following the loss:

The Steelers selected Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he hasn't lived up to his draft status, and he certainly doesn't look like the heir to Ben Roethlisberger's throne in Pittsburgh.

Entering Sunday's game, he had completed 45-of-70 passes for 394 yards and one touchdown against one interception in two starts, one of which was a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he threw for just 67 yards and one score in that game.

Of course, Pickett isn't solely to blame for Pittsburgh's offensive struggles, but it's quite clear he needs some more time to develop.

The Steelers will travel to face the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles next weekend.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is expected to start Sunday's contest against the Miami Dolphins after clearing concussion protocol from an injury he suffered in the team's last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Cornerback Levi Wallace and tight end Pat Freiermuth also cleared concussion protocol and will likely take the field against Tampa Bay.

Pickett took first-team reps during practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and his return shifts Mitch Trubisky back to the second-stringer role.

Trubisky entered the Week 6 win over Tampa Bay after Pickett suffered the concussion and played well on his way to 9-of-12 passing for 144 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions.

His touchdown pass to Chase Claypool in the fourth quarter helped open up an eight-point lead, and Pittsburgh's defense stopped Tampa Bay's two-point conversion after its late touchdown to preserve the 20-18 win.

Trubisky started the first four games of the season but gave way to Pickett during the Week 4 loss to the New York Jets.

The rookie then started against the Buffalo Bills and Buccaneers and will presumably be the starter this season as long as he is healthy. He has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 514 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions, although he scored twice on the ground against the Jets.

Pittsburgh is just 2-4 on the season and could have an eye on the future after selecting Pickett with the No. 20 overall pick of the 2022 NFL draft.

More experience this year will presumably help his preparation for future seasons when the Steelers may be in a better position to compete, although they are only one game behind the 3-3 Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.

If the rookie can demonstrate a bit more consistency as a thrower while garnering that additional experience this season, the Steelers could make a playoff run despite a lackluster start to the campaign.