The San Francisco 49ers continued their free agency work in the shadows, signing return specialist/receiver Ray-Ray McCloud on a two-year deal, prying the five-year veteran away from the Pittsburgh Steelers on a contract worth up to $10.4 million.
McCloud, 25, was one of the most productive returners in the NFL last season, as he returned 38 punts(1st in NFL) for 367 yards(1st in NFL), averaging 9.7 yards per return(3rd in NFL).
Additionally, McCloud was a good kick returner, as he returned 35 kicks(3rd in NFL) for 776 yards(4th in NFL), averaging 22.2 yards per return(15th in NFL).
McCloud fills a must-needed hole as a returner for the 49ers, who lost Trenton Cannon, their primary kick returner last season, in free agency, leaving an even bigger issue in their special teams unit that ranked amongst the bottom eight in the NFL last season.
While the price tag may seem expensive, McCloud's deal is likely fairly incentive-based, and his contract has indicated how the market has gone for special teamers this offseason: expensive.
Fellow return specialist Jakeem Grant signed a three-year deal worth up to $13.3 million with the Cleveland Browns, averaging $4.33 million a year, and he's going into his age-30 season with lesser production.
With the move, the 49ers got the top return specialist available this offseason, showcasing their willingness to spend in order to address their main priorities.
McCloud isn't only a returner; he's displayed some ability as a receiver as well, catching 39 passes for 277 yards, averaging 7.1 yards per reception.
While the production may not seem eye-popping, of those 39 catches, McCloud caught for 18 first downs, despite having a 7.1 yards per reception rate, indicating his reliability in those situations, similar to San Francisco's own receiver Jauan Jennings.
McCloud possesses good top speed and great acceleration, with the ability to work in space, which is why he's such an intriguing receiver for Kyle Shanahan. He's a true "burner", giving the 49ers offense the one archetype of wideout that they've been lacking, but could certainly be used as a gadget weapon in certain scenarios.
Is McCloud going to be a consistent receiver for the 49ers? No. The team has Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings already on the roster. But, McCloud provides the necessary versatility at receiver, giving head coach Kyle Shanahan another way to expand his offensive playbook with yet another young weapon.
McCloud fits the bill of what the 49ers have been targeting this offseason: young, aspiring talent that can contribute on special teams, but with potential on the offensive end, similar to linebacker Oren Burks, whose athletic profile provides intrigue as a backup linebacker.
With the signing of McCloud, Shanahan and Lynch save a roster spot, as they have a multi-dimensional player who slots in as the fourth receiver on the team, but also the top returner on special teams, which has been their persona for the past few years, hence the addition of wideout Travis Benjamin to the 53-man roster last offseason(he played both receiver and returner).
