Did Chase Claypool Just Openly Troll Mitch Trubisky?

Chase Claypool didn’t think he’d get traded to the Chicago Bears. That isn’t a surprise. Players rarely expect such things to happen. It was a major shock to the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room when it happened. After getting a chance to digest the information, the 24-year-old receiver embraced the opportunity. He’s aware of quarterback Justin Fields and the talent he brings to the table. What he needs are weapons. Claypool knows he is a weapon. It should be a good fit.

Where it gets interesting is his choice of jersey number. One wouldn’t think that would cause any controversy. Except there are a few factors in play. Claypool couldn’t go with #11 as he had in Pittsburgh. That already belongs to Darnell Mooney. No big deal. He could simply take the #83. He wore that in college at Notre Dame, and it was available after the Bears cut Dazz Newsome earlier this year. Except Claypool didn’t go that route. Instead, he opted for #10.

That was an odd decision unless you remember a few facts. Mitch Trubisky wore #10 during his four years in Chicago. He was also the starting quarterback in Pittsburgh this season before getting benched for Kenny Pickett.

Is it possible Claypool has some hard feelings for his former QB?

The two played together across five games this season. In that time, Trubisky targeted Claypool 24 times. Pickett targeted him 26 times and was far more accurate when doing so. It isn’t hard to imagine why the young receiver might’ve grown frustrated with Mitch.

Chase Claypool 2022 Info from @SethDConklin Story Later Today ????

Claypool First 4 Games with Trubisky:

11 Rec | 79 Yds| 7.18 avg

Claypool Last 4 Games with Pickett
21 Rec | 232 Yds | 11.04avg

Last 4 Games over a full year would be:
89 Rec | 986 Yds|

— The Irish Bears Show (@IrishBearsShow) November 2, 2022

Chicago, know imma snap. pic.twitter.com/uFPZn12FSn

— Chase Claypool (@ChaseClaypool) November 3, 2022

Maybe Chase Claypool picking #10 is a weird coincidence.

Then again, it’s hard to feel that way knowing the details. He knew Chicago was Trubisky’s former team, and he knew what number the quarterback wore. Given his background, he had a clear line to pick a number that made far more sense. There is no way he made the choice at random. Alas, the odds are he’ll never give a clear answer on this. He and Trubisky aren’t likely to play together ever again. If it is a troll job, it’s a parting shot.

No doubt he hopes to make #10 his own. The last wide receiver to wear it was Damiere Byrd. That didn’t go over well. Marquese Wilson also wore it for a time a few years ago. He had some nice moments but never became anything special. Chase Claypool is by far the most talented receiver to don that jersey. The Bears hope he can be the first to become a star in it.