Report: Steelers WR/KR Ray-Ray McCloud to Sign with 49ers

The Steelers have their first free agent departure of the 2022 offseason, as wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud is expected to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

McCloud is expected to sign a two-year deal with San Francisco, which could be worth up to $10.4 million, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

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.

The Steelers have re-signed four of their own free agents: cornerbacks Arthur Maulet and Ahkello Witherspoon, safety Miles Killebrew, nose tackle Montravius Adams and tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.

Quarterback Joshua Dobbs, running back Kalen Ballage, wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Washington, tight end Eric Ebron, guards B.J. Finney and Trai Turner, outside linebacker Taco Charlton, strong safety Terrell Edmunds remain unrestricted free agents.