The trade that sent wide receiver Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears is giving Steven Sims a golden opportunity with Pittsburgh. As the team’s No. 4 wide receiver, Sims now slides up and should be the team’s primary slot target with George Pickens moving outside.
When the Steelers weren’t able to activate rookie Calvin Austin III from IR it really felt like Pittsburgh wouldn’t be able to take a shot at trading Claypool away. If Austin had been healthy he would have been an ideal WR3 in this system with his deep speed.
But Sims has flashed some skills and should be a more-than-adequate option. Sims has the quickness to take advantage of athletic mismatches in the slot and use his quickness. Sims is in his fourth NFL season after playing his college football at Kansas. Sims spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders before joining the Steelers.
The move should also increase the role of tight end Pat Freiermuth who is a similar body type to Claypool and has really opened up the passing game in the middle of the field.
Let us know in the comments which play you believe will benefit the most from the Claypool trade.
