The San Francisco 49ers signed McCloud this offseason, hoping to make the wideout their primary return man. He'll have to contribute on offense as well since head coach Kyle Shanahan values versatility. That means catching passes from second-year quarterback Trey Lance.
McCloud spoke with reporters after Tuesday's practice as the 49ers prepare for their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. He was asked about his new quarterback and how the 22-year-old compares to his quarterback in Buffalo.
"Every day, [Lance is] getting better, learning how to be a leader," McCloud said. "Not even learning; he has it already. It's a natural thing with him. Actually, I came in with Josh Allen and the Bills, and he gives me that same type of energy, that 'I'm ready to take the next step' energy."
Lance started just two games last season but will replace Jimmy Garoppolo as the 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022. As Lance finds his footing, there will likely be ups and downs, but the team has a talented enough roster that can overcome any growing pains.
McCloud knows that NFL players can make a significant jump in their second seasons, and he expects Lance to grow in his sophomore NFL year.
"I wasn't with him last year, but that second year is kind of the difference," McCloud explained. "I think for, most NFL players, the first and second [year is a big difference], especially for me it was. Just watching Trey every day grow as a leader, be able to take control of not even just the huddle [but] the offense as a whole when we're going through walk-throughs, and making sure everybody where they need to be at a certain time. It's great watching him practice."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Mac Jones on 49ers choosing Lance over him, why he was meant to join Shanahan
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones recently joined the Bussin' with the Boys podcast for a wide-ranging conversation. Among the topics he discussed were the 49ers choosing Trey Lance over him in the 2021 NFL Draft, finally joining Kyle Shanahan's team four years later,... -
Commanders were willing to sign 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk before recent concerns
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk appears confident that his next NFL destination will be the Washington Commanders. However, after his recent social media outbursts, it's fair to wonder whether any team will be willing to take a chance on the veteran... -
How Maxx Crosby responded to young 49ers fan asking him to join San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers could certainly use another proven pass rusher after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. That has fueled plenty of speculation about the future of Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby. Although there is no indication that the... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy returns to NFL Top 100 after one-year absence
The NFL has begun unveiling its NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy landed at No. 85. The ranking marks Purdy's return to the annual list after a one-year absence, although it's a notable drop from his career-high No. 28 ranking in...