Chase Claypool's NFL journey has taken an unexpected turn, landing him at Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp this week—a far cry from the superstar trajectory many envisioned just a few years ago.

The former Notre Dame standout burst onto the scene as a second-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, posting an impressive 62 catches for 873 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie. He followed that up with 59 receptions for 860 yards and two scores in 2021, looking every bit like the dynamic playmaker the Steelers had drafted.

But the path hasn't been smooth since. Claypool was traded from Pittsburgh to the Chicago Bears in November 2022, then shipped to the Miami Dolphins just 11 months later. After playing his last NFL game with the Dolphins in 2023, he joined the Buffalo Bills in 2024 but was cut during the preseason due to injury.

Now, after spending the entire 2025 season without a team—despite announcing his intent to return via Instagram in summer 2025—Claypool is making another push. The Packers have given him a tryout at their rookie camp, but the road ahead is steep. From rookie camp to training camp, preseason, and ultimately the 53-man roster, every step is a battle.

For a player who once seemed destined for stardom, this winding journey is a reminder that the NFL can be unpredictable. But for Claypool, the opportunity is all that matters—and he's hoping this latest chapter leads to a lasting home.