Chicago Bears reportedly displeased with Chase Claypool over offseason motivation

The Chicago Bears acquired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool in a trade last year, but according to a recent report, they’re not exactly over the moon with what they’ve seen so far.

According to Marc Silverman of ESPN’s Waddle & Silvy Show, sources within the Bears organization say that Claypool’s mentality is lacking.

“I have heard from a few people inside that building that he is not somebody who is very self-motivated,” Silverman reported.

Claypool was not with the team for minicamp, due to a “few minor things,” according to Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.

“He’s dealing with a few things,” Eberflus said without expanding. “Just a few minor things.”

“This time of year, you get some soft tissue stuff, and there’s no reason to risk anything at this time,” Eberlus added. “So you know he just felt something like a lot of guys have, so we just let him sit out for the day and see where they’re going from there and then we’ll see what we do.”

Behind on the playbook last season, Claypool has caught up from that aspect, but if the report is to be believed, he’s still not living up to expectations.

Claypool entering contract season

The former Steelers second-round selection is heading into a contract season and a lot of money is on the line. He originally signed a four-year deal for $6.6 million but 2023 is the last year of his deal. Without an extension before next March, he’ll become a free agent for the first time in his NFL career.

The Bears ended up trading a second-round pick in this year’s draft for Claypool. The Steelers drafted cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with that selection.

Following his trade, Claypool played in seven games for Chicago to close out the season. He posted 14 catches for 140 yards and no scores. He also had a fumble. In Pittsburgh last season, he had 32 catches, 311 yards and one touchdown.

Pittsburgh drafted Claypool in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft after four years at Notre Dame, where he played alongside Bears tight end Cole Kmet.

His rookie season was his most productive yet. He was also an NFL All-Rookie Team selection when he totaled 873 yards and nine touchdowns in his first year in the league.

Claypool has just over a month to right the ship for Bears training camp. Check-in for camp is at the end of July.