Packers Eye Veteran WR Chase Claypool at Rookie Minicamp Tryout

GREEN BAY, Wis. (Day.News) — The Green Bay Packers opened their rookie minicamp Saturday with an unexpected guest: veteran wide receiver Chase Claypool, whose tryout sent ripples through Titletown. Claypool, 27, a former second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, has bounced between the Steelers, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, amassing 166 catches for 2,261 yards and 13 touchdowns in 57 games.[1] Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the news in an afternoon press conference, noting the tryout came on the final day of the session as the team evaluates depth ahead of training camp at Lambeau Field.[1] LaFleur praised the organization's decision to exercise the fifth-year option on edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, signaling confidence in the 2023 first-round pick from Iowa. "They decided to pick it up, which I do think indicates the Packers do have confidence that Lukas Van Ness is going to continue taking steps forward," LaFleur said, referencing the deadline met earlier in the week.[1] Van Ness, who recorded 7.5 sacks as a rookie, bolsters a defensive line that ranked ninth in the NFL with 46 sacks last season, crucial for Green Bay's playoff push in the NFC North. Claypool's workout aligns with the Packers' strategy to infuse competition into a receiving corps headlined by Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs. After posting just 27 catches for 279 yards with the Bills in 2025, Claypool seeks a rebound in a Packers offense that led the NFL with 30.1 points per game. Local fans in Ashwaubenon and De Pere packed sports bars Saturday, debating if the 6-foot-4 target could revive his career under LaFleur's scheme.[3][1] As minicamp wraps, LaFleur emphasized development for rookies like first-round quarterback prospect amid OTAs next month. No decision on Claypool has been announced, but his athleticism — highlighted by a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the 2020 combine — could address injury concerns that sidelined Packers receivers in 2025 playoffs.