49ers sign receiver/returner Ray Ray McCloud

NFL: JAN 16 AFC Wild Card - Steelers at Chiefs
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Last year’s league leader in punt return yards is heading to San Francisco.

Ray Ray McCloud, a wide receiver and return man who spent the last two seasons with the Steelers, has agreed to a two-year deal with the 49ers, according to multiple reports.

In 2021 McCloud led the NFL with 38 punt returns for 367 yards. He also had 35 kickoff returns for 776 yards, and 39 catches for 277 yards. He’ll likely be the 49ers’ primary return man this year, and coach Kyle Shanahan will surely find some ways to use him on offense as well.

The 25-year-old McCloud entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick of the Bills out of Clemson. After his rookie year with the Bills he had a brief stint with the Panthers and has had his best seasons with the Steelers.

8 responses to “49ers sign receiver/returner Ray Ray McCloud

  1. McCloud a decent slot guy. Should have some success in SF. Would like to see Steelers look at Cole Beasley to replace him.

  2. Good luck to him. Juju’s injury last year forced him into a role in the offense where he didn’t really fit. He took a lot of criticism, but he was the least of the offensive problems.

  3. Pretty sure the contract is rather incentive-laden, so the only way he gets 5 million per is if he “earns” it. Otherwise, I’d be willing to bet it’s nowhere near that. Marathe ans the 9ers are generally pretty clever/creative with their contracts.

  4. Expect him to share the load with Michell & Deebo in the back field. Good speed for jet/fly sweep routes.

  5. Every Steelers fan held their breath every time Ray-Ray would field a punt. It was a seemed like it was a 50/50 chance of a good return or a muff/fumble. Still, he was the best punt returned the Steelers have had in a long time and was a decent safety valve for Ben.

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