Recent NFL news has the Steelers set to welcome back polarizing WR during 2024 training camp

When the news that the Pittsburgh Steelers would host the Buffalo Bills to a joint practice came out Monday, it was a bit surprising.

Pittsburgh typically doesn't participate in joint practices during training camp, as it will be their first in six years.

But when analyzing the roster of Buffalo, one of their recent additions is well known in Pittsburgh, and he will be making his return later this summer.

Chase Claypool to return to Pittsburgh

The Joint practice will occur on July 15th, which is the day after camp breaks and the Steelers head back to Pittsburgh from Latrobe. The practice is closed to the public and will be used to prepare for the team's preseason game against the Bills on August 17th.

For the Steelers, the return of Claypool won't mean much, but the man who garnered the nickname "Mapletron" will be looking to turn heads and make a statement during said practice and game.

For Claypool, it hasn't been easy since leaving Pittsburgh, and really since his rookie year. After being traded to the Bears for a pick that netted the Steelers Joey Porter Jr., Claypool was then shipped to Miami , joining the Dolphins and playing sparingly last season.

So this offseason was full of question marks for Claypool, as there was a chance he headed back to his homeland and played in the Canadian Football League instead of the NFL.

That all changed when the Bills signed Claypool, who in a WR room that underwent  an offseason overhaul, may not be battling for a roster spot , but potentially a meaningful role when you consider that he's battling names like Mack Hollins, and Andy Isabella.

And if there is one thing we know about Claypool, it's that he has the talent to be a playmaker in this league. 6-4, 240-pound athletes that jump over 40 inches and run in the 4.4's don't grow on trees.

The problem with Claypool has been his attitude and persona.

It's easy to forget that he just turned 26, and maybe now will be the time to display the maturity that he needs.

Because if he doesn't in Buffalo, with that culture and QB Josh Allen, good luck doing it anywhere else, as Claypool would surely have to head back to Canada.