The Pittsburgh Steelers got one of their restricted free agents under contract Wednesday when they signed wide receiver/returner Ray-Ray McCloud to a one-year deal.
McCloud, who spent the 2020 season with the Steelers after being signed in training camp, played in all 16 games and was credited with two starts. While his production on offense was limited — he had 20 catches for 77 yards while playing 15% of all snaps — he served as the team’s returner on kickoffs and punts.
McCloud averaged 10.3 yards on 29 punt returns to rank No. 4 in the NFL. He also had a 23.1 average on 28 kickoff returns, which ranked No. 8.
By signing McCloud early, the Steelers didn’t have to offer him a $2.13 million right-of-first-refusal tender. The other restricted free agents on the roster is linebacker Ola Adeniyi.
