49ers sign WR/PR Ray-Ray McCloud

The 49ers are adding a special teams ace. San Francisco is signing wide receiver/return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud to a two-year deal, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The former sixth-round pick bounced around the NFL during his first two years in the league, but he found a home in Pittsburgh over the past two seasons. He got into 16 games during his first year with the Steelers, but he took a significant step forward in 2021.

McCloud made a name for himself on special teams, leading the NFL in punt return yardage at 367. He also returned 35 kickoffs for 776 yards. He wasn’t a scrub on offense, either, hauling in 39 receptions for 277 yards. He added another 15 yards on two carries.

Now, the 25-year-old is off to San Francisco. The Steelers made an effort to retain McCloud but the 49ers made a “stronger commitment,” according to Fowler.