The signs are pointing to a split for the Chicago Bears and Chase Claypool.

The quote from Muhsin Muhammad is still all over the Chicago Bears. That’s because it’s a defining one. And one that still holds true.

Chicago “is where receivers go to die,” he told Sports Illustrated 15 years ago. It’s a narrative that endures to this day. And fits the chaos surrounding Chase Claypool, as the 25-year-old’s time with the Bears draws to a close.

But what exactly happened? What’s next for the Bears? And what does it all mean for “EQ” St. Brown?

The Chicago Bears play at the Washington Commanders on Friday night – with Claypool?

No, Chase Claypool will not be with the Bears for their fifth-round opener at the Washington Commanders. He had already missed Week 4 against the Denver Broncos, when he was listed as “inactive” despite being fit. Head coach Matt Eberflus confirmed afterwards that Claypool would not be with the team this week.

“We’ve told him not to be here this weekend, not to be at the game. We also told him he wouldn’t be here this week. … We think it’s best for the team at this point,” Eberflus said.

What happened before?

A lot, Claypool’s case shows just how messy things have generally been for the Bears this season. For one, the receiver simply hasn’t delivered since his trade in November 2022. The Bears had given up the 32nd pick in last year’s NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the numbers have been devastating.

After the trade, he had only 14 catches for 140 yards in seven games last season and caught the ball four times in three games this season.

But there was little self-criticism to be heard. When asked before the game against the Broncos if he felt he was put in the best position as a receiver to deliver his top performances, he answered with a resounding “No.” He also played the ball back, saying he wanted to let the team decide what was best for him, “I’m not going to give advice. That’s for them to decide and I’ll just do what they tell me. “

The chaotic nature of the situation is evident in the Bears’ communication. While Eberflus said it was Claypool’s decision not to come to the game against the Broncos at all, the team said they asked the receiver to stay home.

On Sunday, the head coach said he expected Claypool to be at the training ground on Monday, then confirmed on Monday that he would be absent for the entire week. However, he also stressed that Claypool’s booting out had nothing to do with the comments made earlier.

Instead, the officials are said to be unhappy with Claypool’s zeal and attitude. “When you’re evaluating players in meetings, in training, walkthroughs and all those things, it’s important to evaluate the overall work, isn’t it?” said Eberflus, who at this week’s press conference, when asked double-digit questions about Claypool, kept insisting it was the best thing for the team. Which basically makes a return impossible.

What’s next for Claypool and the Bears?

Thus, they will likely part ways. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Sunday that the Bears are looking to trade Claypool. Even though the 25-year-old’s value has dropped dramatically, as the Bears expect “a fifth- or sixth-round pick” in return, according to reports.

“Ryan does all the transactions and all the things of that nature and we’ll see how it goes,” Eberflus said.

Poles is reportedly dialing his fingers to find a suitor. Partly because the pressure is mounting on him and the coach after a season-high 14 straight defeats – another devastating record.

As ESPN reports, however, some teams are reportedly assuming Claypool will end up being fired by the Bears. The 25-year-old is in the final season of his rookie contract and will be paid a base salary of $2.993 million.

What does this mean for the team?

This has to be tighter either way, especially at the receiver position. In Claypool’s absence, Darnell Mooney, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet have been quarterback Justin Fields’ primary targets. Guys like rookie Tyler Scott will also have to contribute sooner than expected now. Everyone needs to step up, with their backs against the wall after an 0-4 start.

But it also means Equanimeous St Brown could now get more chances, he was included in the active matchday squad for the first time this season after Claypool’s exit against the Broncos and got his first snaps. Not out of the question that he could now feature more often.

Why is that typical for the Bears?

As I said, Muhammad’s quote is ubiquitous. And his sentiment cannot be dismissed out of hand.

The Bears have had only one All-Pro First Team receiver in Brandon Marshall over the last 15 years, but 18 starting quarterbacks. This lack of consistency and also lack of quality at the most important position in the NFL makes it difficult for the team to lure big-name receivers to Chicago as free agents. The lack of success is a general downer.

In general, receivers in Chicago have not delivered for years: according to ESPN, the Bears pass receivers rank 28th in targets, 31st in receiving yards and 30th in first-down receptions since 2013. They rank 28th in receiving touchdowns.

“I definitely heard [Muhammad’s quote],” rookie Scott said on ESPN. “I don’t put too much stock in it. That’s how he felt, and that’s his opinion. At the end of the day, there’s always a new generation coming in and everybody has a new opportunity. Why can’t you change the stigma or the culture that Chicago might have, or that he felt like he had?”

Scott and Co. have a lot of work to do to change that. One thing is certain, though: Claypool is unlikely to do anything about it.