49ers roster: 5 players who definitely won't be back in 2024
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud
San Francisco long neglected its special teams play under head coach Kyle Shanahan, yet that seemingly changed entering 2022 when the team inked former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud to a two-year deal.
In fairness, McCloud helped solidify the return game and wasn't a liability on special teams. That said, considering the 49ers are pressed up against the salary cap, expending cash for the third phase of the game on a niche player probably isn't going to be a high priority.
Even though McCloud would likely make no more than $2 million per season, one would expect the Niners to try and save some money here.
In 2024, return duties possibly get shifted to the 2023 rookie wideout, Ronnie Bell, who struggled in limited chances in this role over the year but will hopefully adjust to being more reliable next season.