Saskatchewan Roughriders add Chase Claypool to exclusive negotiation list

The Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders added Chase Claypool to their exclusive negotiation list this week. Going on the exclusive negotiations list does not necessarily mean Claypool will sign a contract to play in the CFL or with the Roughriders, but if he does enter the league up north, Saskatchewan would have first dibs on the former Steeler.

Claypool, a second-round selection by the Steelers in 2020, is currently a free agent after wrapping up a short stint with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins acquired him in a trade with the Chicago Bears. They sent a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Bears in exchange for Claypool and a 7th round pick in next year’s draft.

After picking him up, the wideout played in nine games for the Dolphins, totaling four catches on seven targets for 26 yards. Those stats brought his 2023 season numbers up to eight catches, 77 yards and one touchdown. He didn’t make an impact for Miami in their loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs.

Former Steelers star under scrutiny

The former Notre Dame star came under fire in Week 1 this season because of his effort in Chicago. One particular instance came on a screen where he didn’t block a defender, resulting in a loss of yards. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus considered benching Claypool, though he ultimately remained active in the following weeks leading up to his trade.

In 2022, the Bears traded a second-round pick in the 2023 draft to the Steelers for Claypool. The Steelers ended up drafting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with that selection.

Following his trade last year, 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 in 2022, 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. He was also an NFL All-Rookie Team selection when he totaled 873 yards and nine touchdowns in his first year in the league.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.