Chase Claypool is making waves at the Green Bay Packers' 2026 rookie minicamp, and head coach Matt LaFleur is taking notice. The former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, who hasn't played in the NFL since 2024, is attempting a comeback—and LaFleur's latest update suggests the 6-foot-4 pass-catcher is turning heads.

"Well, I mean, you guys saw him, right?" LaFleur told reporters on Friday. "He's had great film out there. He's been productive, and he looks like he's in great shape. He's big. So, we'll see how it goes."

Claypool’s journey has been a rollercoaster since his explosive start. Drafted by the Steelers with the 49th overall pick in 2020, he quickly became a fan favorite, hauling in 121 passes for 1,733 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons—plus two rushing scores. But his Pittsburgh chapter closed abruptly when he was traded to the Chicago Bears during the 2022 season, a deal that netted the Steelers a pick used to select star cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Things never clicked in Chicago, and after a short, underwhelming stint with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, Claypool signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills in May 2024. He looked poised for a resurgence as an offseason standout, but a devastating toe injury—a torn ligament and tendon—led to his release and a nearly two-year NFL absence.

Now, with the Packers giving him a tryout, Claypool is chasing a second chance. For fans who remember his early promise, this is a compelling storyline. Whether he can recapture that magic remains to be seen, but for now, he’s making the right impression in Green Bay.