Pittsburgh, PA – April 11, 2025. Mike Tomlin might be plotting a nostalgic reunion with former Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool if trade rumors surrounding George Pickens come to fruition, sources close to the team hinted to ESPN on Thursday. As the Steelers navigate a turbulent offseason, the head coach’s interest in his one-time protege signals a bold pivot.
Tomlin’s tenure has weathered its share of stormy receivers—Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson, and now Pickens—but Claypool’s name keeps bubbling up. Sources say the coach sees untapped potential in the 26-year-old, who dazzled in his 2020 rookie season with 873 yards and 11 touchdowns under Tomlin’s guidance before a messy 2022 trade to the Bears.
Pickens, the Steelers’ current WR1, faces swirling trade buzz after a 900-yard 2024 season, with the Cardinals and Commanders reportedly circling. A mock draft from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell pegged a deal sending Pickens and the No. 21 pick to Arizona for the No. 16 pick, a fourth-rounder, and WR Michael Wilson—a move that could open the door for Claypool’s return.
Claypool’s post-Steelers spiral—191 yards with the Bears, 26 with the Dolphins, and a 2024 Bills stint cut short by injury—hasn’t dimmed Tomlin’s faith. “Mike believes he can get Chase back to that rookie spark,” an insider revealed, noting Tomlin’s knack for managing big personalities like Pickens, who’s clashed over targets.
The Steelers’ offense, retooled with D.K. Metcalf and Dallas Goedert, could use Claypool’s 6’4” frame as a WR3 or red-zone threat alongside Metcalf’s dominance. Tomlin’s playbook thrived with Claypool’s deep routes in 2020—think his four-TD explosion against the Eagles—offering a blueprint for revival.
Fan reactions on X split hard: “Claypool back? Tomlin’s a genius!” (@SteelCityFan) battled “No way—Pickens is irreplaceable!” (@BurghFaithful). Claypool, a free agent since August 2024, could return on a prove-it deal—say, one year, $3 million—making it a low-risk gamble for a coach who once tamed his antics.
Tomlin’s stayed mum, but his “evaluate everything” mantra from March hints at flexibility. With Pickens’ trade talks tied to Pittsburgh’s QB hunt—be it Aaron Rodgers or a draft pick like Jaxson Dart—Claypool’s familiarity could ease a transition, especially after losing Najee Harris and Fields.
If Pickens departs, Tomlin’s reunion pitch might just resurrect Claypool’s career—and quiet doubters after eight playoff-less years. The Steelers’ faithful brace for upheaval, but a Claypool comeback could prove Tomlin still holds the reins, steering Pittsburgh toward contention in 2025.
