With the hiring of Brian Schneider as their new special teams coordinator, the San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a new returner. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud led the NFL in kick and punt return yards (1,143), and the 49ers might be looking to add the impending unrestricted free agent.
"Pittsburgh has contacted McCloud's representation to express a strong interest in re-signing the veteran, according to a source close to the situation," wrote CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin, "but at least six other teams -- including playoff contenders in the 49ers and Packers -- have their sights set on McCloud ahead of the league's legal tampering period, which begins March 14.
"The Colts, 49ers, Lions, and Packers all expressed interest in the 25-year-old McCloud during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, according to sources, and are among teams expected to make an offer to the wideout once the negotiating window officially opens."
Three 49ers wide receivers are slated to become unrestricted free agents at the start of the new league year on March 16. They are Mohamed Sanu, Trent Sherfield, and Richie James. A fourth wideout, Jauan Jennings, is scheduled to be an exclusive-rights free agent.
Added Benjamin: "The 49ers have been searching for WR depth for years and could lose at least three pass catchers to free agency."
The Buffalo Bills made McCloud (5-9, 190) a sixth-round selection out of Clemson in 2018. He registered a career-high 39 receptions for 277 yards through 16 game appearances with the Steelers last season while returning a league-leading 38 punts for a league-high 367 yards and 35 kick-off returns for 776 yards.
McCloud, 25, has caught 64 passes for 390 yards in 48 game appearances and eight starts through his four NFL seasons with the Bills, Carolina Panthers, and Steelers.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.