Bills Receiver Claypool Struggles, Future Uncertain After Giants Loss

Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, August 10th 2025 at 8:00 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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These 3 Buffalo Bills saw their stock decline during their preseason opener against the New York Giants.

Buffalo Bills Players Facing Declining Stock After Preseason Setback Against Giants

In the wake of the Buffalo Bills' preseason defeat to the New York Giants, several key observations have emerged regarding player performances that could impact roster decisions and team dynamics heading into the regular season. While preseason games are often about experimentation and evaluation rather than wins and losses, they provide critical insights into individual progress, or in some cases, regression. The Bills, coming off a strong previous season but with roster changes, are under scrutiny as they fine-tune their lineup. This loss highlighted areas of concern, particularly for three players whose stock appears to be on a downward trajectory based on their showings. These assessments are drawn from on-field execution, coaching expectations, and the competitive nature of NFL training camps, where every snap counts toward securing a spot.

First on the list is wide receiver Chase Claypool, whose performance against the Giants did little to bolster his case for a prominent role in the Bills' offense. Claypool, a former standout with the Pittsburgh Steelers known for his athleticism and big-play potential, has been trying to revive his career after stints with the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. Joining the Bills on a one-year deal, there was optimism that he could fill a void left by departed receivers like Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis. However, in this preseason matchup, Claypool struggled with consistency, notably dropping a crucial pass that could have extended a drive. His route-running appeared imprecise at times, and he failed to create separation from Giants defenders, which is essential in a pass-heavy scheme led by quarterback Josh Allen. This isn't an isolated incident; Claypool's preseason outings have been marred by similar issues, raising questions about his reliability. Analysts point out that with emerging talents like Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman vying for targets, Claypool's margin for error is slim. If he doesn't turn things around in the remaining preseason games, he risks being relegated to the practice squad or even cut, which would be a stark contrast to his early-career promise. The Bills' coaching staff, under Sean McDermott, emphasizes execution and mental toughness, areas where Claypool seems to be faltering, potentially diminishing his stock as the team prioritizes dependable contributors for a Super Bowl push.

Shifting focus to the quarterback position, Mitchell Trubisky finds himself in a precarious spot following a lackluster display against the Giants. As the backup to Josh Allen, Trubisky's role is vital for a team that has dealt with injuries in the past and needs a reliable option should Allen miss time. Trubisky, a former first-round pick with experience across multiple teams including the Bears, Steelers, and now the Bills, was expected to provide steady leadership and efficient play in limited opportunities. Yet, in this game, he completed just a handful of passes with minimal yardage, threw an interception that shifted momentum, and appeared out of sync with the second-unit offense. His decision-making under pressure was questionable, often holding onto the ball too long or forcing throws into coverage. This performance echoes some of the inconsistencies that have plagued his career, despite flashes of competence in previous Bills appearances. With Shane Buechele also in the mix as a third-string option, Trubisky's grip on the No. 2 spot could loosen if he doesn't rebound. The Bills' front office values depth at quarterback, especially in a division as competitive as the AFC East, where teams like the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets pose threats. Trubisky's declining stock might prompt the team to explore veteran free agents or undrafted talents, underscoring the high-stakes nature of preseason evaluations. Fans and pundits alike are watching closely, as any uncertainty behind Allen could undermine the team's championship aspirations.

Lastly, offensive tackle Tylan Grable's outing has raised eyebrows and potentially lowered his standing within the Bills' offensive line depth chart. As a sixth-round draft pick from UCF, Grable entered the league with raw athleticism and upside, seen as a developmental project who could contribute to a unit that has been solid but aging in spots. Protecting Josh Allen is paramount for Buffalo's success, and the offensive line's performance directly correlates to the team's explosive offense. Against the Giants, however, Grable struggled mightily in pass protection, allowing multiple pressures and a sack that disrupted the pocket. His footwork seemed sluggish, and he was overpowered by edge rushers, failing to maintain leverage in key matchups. This isn't entirely surprising for a rookie transitioning to the NFL's speed, but with veterans like Spencer Brown and Dion Dawkins anchoring the tackles, Grable needs to show progress to earn rotational snaps. The Bills have invested in line depth, but inconsistencies like Grable's could force them to rely more on experienced backups or seek reinforcements. His stock decline is particularly notable in the context of the team's overall strategy, which emphasizes a balanced attack and minimizing turnovers—areas compromised by poor line play. If Grable can address these issues through coaching and practice, he might salvage his trajectory, but for now, his preseason struggles suggest a steeper learning curve than anticipated.

Overall, this preseason loss to the Giants serves as a microcosm of the challenges the Buffalo Bills face in roster construction. While the team boasts stars like Allen and a stout defense, the margins in the NFL are razor-thin, and underperformers can quickly find themselves on the outside looking in. For Claypool, Trubisky, and Grable, the coming weeks are crucial; improved showings in final preseason contests could reverse their fortunes, but continued missteps might lead to tough decisions as cutdown day approaches. The Bills' management, led by general manager Brandon Beane, has a history of bold moves to optimize the roster, and these players' declining stocks highlight the relentless competition within the organization. As the regular season looms, the focus will be on building momentum and ensuring every position group is battle-tested, making these evaluations pivotal for what promises to be another competitive campaign in Buffalo. This scenario underscores the transient nature of NFL careers, where one game's performance can significantly alter perceptions and opportunities.

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[ https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/3-buffalo-bills-with-declining-stock-following-preseason-loss-to-giants ]

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Bills Receiver Claypool Struggles, Future Uncertain After Giants Loss

Buffalo Bills Players Facing Declining Stock After Preseason Setback Against Giants