In a whirlwind free agency period for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there’s been very little to be concerned about. But as Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo is reporting, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers on a two-year contract.
This is the first in-house free agent the Steelers have lost this offseason. We saw McCloud step up when JuJu Smith-Schuster went down with his shoulder injury and become a much bigger piece of the offense. Nevertheless, where the Steelers will miss McCloud the most is in the return game. McCloud led the league in punt returns and punt return yards in 2021 and averaged 22.2 yards per return on kickoffs.
Next up for the Steelers will be the other two free-agent wide receivers. Will James Washington and JuJu Smith-Schuster leave as well? If so, this vaults wide receiver to the biggest offseason need remaining. Look for Pittsburgh to seek out a replacement for McCloud in free agency to assure an experienced player as a returner as opposed to a rookie.
Late last night, former Steelers WR/return man Ray Ray McCloud agreed to terms with the 49ers. Reports of a two year deal worth $10 million. He is the first Steelers player to sign elsewhere this week.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) March 18, 2022
