Report: Bears shopping Claypool amid benching

The Chicago Bears are looking to trade wide receiver Chase Claypool, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

General manager Ryan Poles is seeking a fifth- or sixth-round pick for the wideout and is actively calling teams that he believes need receiver help, Schultz adds.

The trade chatter comes after Claypool was benched for Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos. Claypool was made a healthy scratch due to multiple reasons including preparation issues, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Claypool appeared to take a shot at the team's coaching staff earlier this week after telling reporters that he doesn't feel like he has been put in the best position to showcase his talent.

Acquired in a midseason trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, Claypool has struggled in Chicago. He's caught only 18 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown in 10 games as a member of the Bears. In three contests this season, he's recorded just four catches and 51 yards.

Equanimeous St. Brown is expected to be active in Claypool's place, Rapoport adds. Additionally, Tyson Bagent - an undrafted free agent - is reportedly set to be promoted to backup quarterback ahead of Nathan Peterman.

The Bears are off to a disastrous start in 2023. They lost their first three games of the season and are averaging a measly 15.7 points per game, while no player on the team has exceeded 11 catches or 170 receiving yards.

Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.