CHICAGO — Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles did not wait until the offseason to add needed help for Justin Fields, gifting the quarterback a big-bodied wide receiver with production by acquiring Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.
A day after the Bears traded linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens, shipping off the best player on the roster for future draft capital, Poles traded a second-round pick to Pittsburgh for Claypool, a former Notre Dame star.
The pick involved is the Bears’ own second-round selection, not the one acquired from the Ravens, meaning there is a chance it is a top-40 selection in exchange for Claypool, who is under contract for one more season. Considering the price the Bears paid, it would be surprising if they don’t attempt to extend Claypool during the offseason.
