Chase Claypool Attempts Comeback with Packers Tryout
Chase Claypool Packers tryout 2026
Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool is officially launching his comeback campaign by participating in the Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp. The two-day session, which runs from May 1 to May 2, 2026, provides the twenty-seven-year-old pass catcher with a trial opportunity to earn a permanent spot on Green Bay’s ninety-man offseason roster.
Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed encouragement regarding Claypool’s physical conditioning and on-field presence after the opening day of drills. This development marks a major milestone for Claypool, who has been working to overcome a serious toe injury that sidelined him throughout the previous season. The Packers originally showed interest in acquiring the talented wideout via trade back in 2022, but they ultimately lost the bidding process to the division rival Chicago Bears.
Now, General Manager Brian Gutekunst is evaluating Claypool in person to see if he can add valuable veteran experience to a youthful and competitive receiving corps. Claypool originally entered the professional ranks as a high-upside second-round pick out of Notre Dame in the 2020 NFL Draft. During his first two seasons with the Steelers, he compiled 121 receptions for 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating potential to become an elite receiving threat.
However, his career path took a downturn in late 2022 following his trade to the Bears, where he struggled to match his early career production and was eventually moved to the Miami Dolphins. After finishing out the 2023 season with Miami, he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills in May 2024. Unfortunately, a severe toe injury suffered during training camp landed him on injured reserve and kept him completely away from game action for the entirety of the 2025 season.
Despite the recent inactivity, Claypool stated on social media that he has fully recovered and feels stronger and faster than ever before. The decision to offer Claypool a tryout involves virtually no financial risk for Green Bay while giving them a close look at a high-ceiling veteran. If the tryout yields a contract, Claypool will compete directly against younger practice squad holdovers like Isaiah Neyor and Will Sheppard for a spot on the depth chart.
The Canadian native’s exclusive rights in the Canadian Football League still belong to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but his main objective remains returning to the top tier of American football. As the Packers conclude their rookie evaluation period this weekend, the team will determine whether the former standout has done enough to warrant a formal contract offer. More detailed analysis on Claypool’s physical recovery and the Packers’ ongoing minicamp evaluations can be accessed via Heavy Sports and 3DownNation.
