Chase Claypool-Justin Fields connection needs time to mesh

The Bears traded for Chase Claypool to give Justin Fields another weapon and aid in the second-year QB's development. In the former Pittsburgh WR's second game with Chicago, however, his week-over-week reps declined.

Should Bears fans be worried? The short answer is no.

When asked about the process of building chemistry with a new receiver, Fields said, per The Athletic: “It’s just going to take time. I don’t think anybody expected him to just come and just start having 100-yard games.” 

In his first game as a Bear in Week 9 against Miami, Claypool played 26 snaps, caught two of six targets for 13 yards and rushed once for four yards. 

On Sunday, his snap count decreased to 19. He caught one of two targets for eight yards. 

In 2021, Fields spent the offseason as the backup and did not get reps with the first team until he was named starter in Week 3. Then he struggled to find chemistry with his weapons. The only receiver he initially established a strong on-field rapport with was Darnell Mooney. 

As the season progressed, Fields developed chemistry with the rest of the offense. 

The Bears acquired Claypool because he is a big body (6-foot-4 and 238 pounds) with good speed (4.42s 40-yard dash) who has been productive at the NFL level. 

In 2020 as a rookie, the last time Pittsburgh had steady QB play, Claypool had 11 touchdowns. He is a playmaker in an offense that needs more of them, and with time, he should justify Chicago trading its second-round pick for him (currently projected at No. 37 overall).