The 2022 NFL trade deadline continues to shake up the fantasy landscape with Steelers WR Chase Claypool being sent to Chicago for a 2023 second-round pick. Let’s dive into the fantasy implications for some players affected and see where their dynasty stock is headed.
Chase Claypool
The big change for Claypool is a new WR1-style role he will likely play in this Bears offense. While it is certainly still a run-heavy scheme, the Bears have started to air it out more in the past few weeks, and investing a second-round pick in a WR indicates that their plan is to continue this trend. However, Claypool is also leaving an offense where he benefitted from consistent negative game scripts leading to high passing volume, and Claypool specifically appeared to be developing decent rapport with Steelers QB Kenny Pickett (Claypool played a big role in the Steelers’ impressive win over Tampa in Week 6).
In Chicago, Claypool will likely be used as Fields’ alpha wide receiver and will certainly receive a healthy target share, however that share will be out of a lower total volume of targets than was available in Pittsburgh. Overall, Claypool certainly will benefit, especially in the long run as his connection with Fields improves. However, it’s not unrealistic to expect a bit of a learning curve this year as the two start to figure each other out. Claypool is an interesting fantasy asset in all formats because of this, and I believe is a firm hold for owners, and a potential buy-low window soon. In the long run, Claypool’s new role has a chance to significantly bolster his stock, especially if the Bears wind up extending him. Monitor the situation, but if you are a believer in his talent, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a Claypool deal.
Justin Fields
Possibly the biggest winner of this deal is Bears QB Justin Fields. Fields this year is auditioning for a new regime in Chicago that did not draft him to be their franchise guy. In a make-it-or-break-it season for Fields, he’s quietly been improving every week as both a fantasy asset and as a potential franchise quarterback for the Bears. Currently the QB11 on the season (QB6 over the past four weeks), Fields has begun to step it up as a passer as well as a runner after what was a fairly ugly start to the season for him. He’s starting to take care of the ball better and the Bears’ offensive staff is beginning to trust him more with the ball in his hands.
The investment of a second-rounder to give Fields an alpha-style receiver is a huge boost to Fields’ stock both this season and in the long run. It seems like the Bears are finally ready to commit to Fields as their franchise guy, and he will continue to produce as he has been over the last couple of weeks. In redraft, Fields is a top priority waiver add, and in dynasty, the buy-low window may well be closed. Fields is a borderline top-12 fantasy QB going forward with his immense rushing upside, and coming off of a strong performance against a good Cowboys defense, I feel confident firing up Fields as a starter moving forward.
George Pickens
If Justin Fields isn’t the biggest winner of this trade, George Pickens is. Pickens is the most likely player in this offense to absorb a big chunk of Claypool’s 18% target share. Already a player who has been skyrocketing in most rankings, including my own, Pickens gets another massive boost from this trade. The Steelers are now fully committed to Pickens as one of their guys moving forward, and with Pickens already looking to be in good favor with Kenny Pickett, Pickens will continue to be one of the bigger risers in dynasty stock. His upside is immense and was so even before this deal was made, but now Pickens has a real argument as a top-18 WR in dynasty – if not even higher. Pickens has flashed crazy contested catch abilities, good route running, and all the traits you hope to have in a receiver. There is a real chance he outperforms Diontae Johnson in this offense and becomes viewed as the Steelers’ true WR1. Pickens remains a strong buy in dynasty, and with an easy second-half schedule, Pickens could explode into a top asset. The breakout is coming, probably sooner than we think- so don’t miss out.
Diontae Johnson
A tough year for Diontae only gets tougher, as the Steelers making this move likely indicates they’re close to giving up on this season. While the Steelers did just pay Diontae a health extension, his chemistry with Pickett has been utterly mediocre at best. Diontae’s boasting league-low yards per target, and is struggling once again this year with dropped passes- an issue he mostly fixed last year, but has resurfaced over the first half of this season. Diontae’s consistent volume from last year has continued into this year, however, without the big plays he hit on so often last season. He is yet to find the end zone so far, which might not change as soon as we hope, with this offense currently in an ugly downward spiral. However, if you are a Diontae owner, it’s imperative that you hold on to him. From weeks 13-17, the Steelers face the Ravens twice as well as the Falcons, Panthers, and Raiders – all very exploitable secondaries that Johnson and Pickens will probably TORCH.
If anything, Diontae is a good buy-low who could wind up being a league winner if he can maximize the poor matchups during the fantasy playoffs. Overall, his stock probably sees the least change of the main players involved. While I do think there’s a risk that Pickens could overtake the WR1 role, Diontae will still receive a healthy amount of targets and is still an extremely talented receiver. Have patience, and don’t panic-sell Diontae. Buy low if your league’s owner is selling around WR3 value, and enjoy the benefits of some juicy matchups come playoff time.
Bears Skill Positions
The addition of Chase Claypool bolsters the whole Bears offense, meaning more touchdown opportunities for their running backs. Montgomery and Herbert remain solid plays at RB2/FLEX this year for teams thin at RB. In the long run, Herbert is still a solid buy-low candidate as it’s unlikely we see Montgomery extended, and if the Bears continue to improve offensively, Herbert could see himself in a nice role moving forward. Other Bears pass-catchers overall get a boost as well, as the investment in a receiver indicates that the Bears will likely be throwing the ball more moving forward.
Darnell Mooney could benefit from more 1-on-1 coverage, and Cole Kmet as a red zone threat will have more opportunities to score. Most of these players still aren’t reliable plays on a weekly basis, but the duo of Mooney and Claypool is specifically interesting and something worth monitoring. Most of the Bears’ offensive players have been massively underwhelming, but there’s potential for improvement now. I still recommend holding Bears players if you own them to see how the offense looks as Fields continues to progress as a passer. Again, this offense still remains relatively irrelevant in fantasy, but keep your eye on the Bears moving forward.
Overall, this was a pretty mutually beneficial trade from a fantasy standpoint. Pickens and Fields are the two biggest winners, but Claypool and Diontae Johnson will likely benefit from this deal as well. I didn’t mention Kenny Pickett much, as I believe his fantasy relevance is pretty low at the moment, and that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Neither of these teams are ideal offenses to invest fantasy assets in, but both are situations worth keeping an eye on moving forward. Please, please buy George Pickens before it’s too late. You’ll thank me later.
Thanks for reading, hope you learned something or at least had fun! Check out my Twitter @bensprinkler for some weird hot takes and more content like this, and be sure to check out more recent articles on DFF to learn the game and dominate your leagues!
