McCloud signed a two-year contract with the 49ers on Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: McCloud was a key contributor for the Steelers in 2021. He regularly served as the team's third receiver and managed to haul in a career-best 39 passes for 277 yards. His role as a pass catcher is likely to dwindle in San Francisco as he will slot in behind at least Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on the depth chart while also battling for targets with George Kittle. As a result, McCloud's primary value could come as a punt returner, as he led the NFL with 367 punt return yards in 2021.
Ray-Ray McCloud Targeted nine times in Week 18
McCloud caught four of nine targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 16-13 OT win over the Ravens.
Analysis: McCloud had a consistent target share across the final three weeks of the regular season with at least eight targets in each of those games. However, he mustered only four catches in each appearance and failed to top 40 yards in any of those matchups. The 25-year-old appeared in 16 of 17 games during the regular season and caught 39 of 66 targets for 277 yards while rushing twice for 15 yards. He's slated to become an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2022 campaign.
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