"Pittsburgh has contacted McCloud's representation to express a strong interest in re-signing the veteran, according to a source close to the situation," wrote CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin, "but at least six other teams -- including playoff contenders in the 49ers and Packers -- have their sights set on McCloud ahead of the league's legal tampering period, which begins March 14.
"The Colts, 49ers, Lions, and Packers all expressed interest in the 25-year-old McCloud during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, according to sources, and are among teams expected to make an offer to the wideout once the negotiating window officially opens."
Three 49ers wide receivers are slated to become unrestricted free agents at the start of the new league year on March 16. They are Mohamed Sanu, Trent Sherfield, and Richie James. A fourth wideout, Jauan Jennings, is scheduled to be an exclusive-rights free agent.
Added Benjamin: "The 49ers have been searching for WR depth for years and could lose at least three pass catchers to free agency."
The Buffalo Bills made McCloud (5-9, 190) a sixth-round selection out of Clemson in 2018. He registered a career-high 39 receptions for 277 yards through 16 game appearances with the Steelers last season while returning a league-leading 38 punts for a league-high 367 yards and 35 kick-off returns for 776 yards.
McCloud, 25, has caught 64 passes for 390 yards in 48 game appearances and eight starts through his four NFL seasons with the Bills, Carolina Panthers, and Steelers.
H/t to Patrick Tulini for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers urged to pursue Vita Vea amid trade request
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Vita Vea, has reportedly requested a trade after contract talks stalled, and one NFL analyst believes the San Francisco 49ers should make a strong push to land the veteran. Much has been made about the Los Angeles... -
49ers Training Camp Day 2: Who stood out in Monday's practice?
The San Francisco 49ers' second day of training camp provided plenty of reasons for optimism, with the defense making several splash plays and a handful of offensive players continuing to generate buzz. The 49ers' official practice report noted interceptions from safety... -
49ers have learned to keep secrets, but is this a good thing?
For years, the San Francisco 49ers had a reputation for being one of the easiest NFL teams to get information from. Not because the team was particularly transparent, but because information seemed to find its way out of the building. That changed in 2017. Since Kyle Shanahan... -
49ers' Trent Williams embraces final NFL chapter, savoring every training camp moment
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams made it clear that his current contract, which runs through the 2027 season, will likely be the final deal of his illustrious NFL career. Speaking to reporters after the 49ers' first training camp practice on Sunday, Williams was...