Falcons Sign Former Steelers WR Ray-Ray McCloud

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud is signing with the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

McCloud has spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers as their primary punt returner and a contributing receiver. He joins Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore as additions to the Falcons receiving corps as Atlanta looks to work around the personnel limitations they had a year ago.

In addition to his receiving duties, McCloud was the starting kick and punt returner for the 49ers in 2022. He averaged 10.8 yards per punt return and 23 yards per kickoff return for the 49ers last season. McCloud also caught 14 passes for 243 yards and ran four times for 78 yards, scoring two touchdowns. If McCloud can not play, rookie wide receiver Ronnie Bell would likely take those duties.

McCould left the Steelers via free agency last March, landing with the 49ers on a two-year, $10.4 million deal. McCloud spent two seasons as the Steelers’ primary punt and kick returner, and also became an integral part of the offense. 

In 2021, McCloud led the NFL in punt returns (38) and punt return yards. He averaged 9.7 yards per punt return and 22.2 yards per kickoff return, finishing in the top 15 in both categories. Offensively, he set a career-high in nearly every category, catching 39 of 66 targets for 277 yards. He also rushed twice for 15 yards. 

Originally a sixth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, McCloud spent one season in Buffalo and another with the Carolina Panthers. He was re-signed by Buffalo but waived before the 2020 season and caught on with Pittsburgh.