Steelers sign wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, release Saeed Blacknall

There was some speculation as to whether or not the Pittsburgh Steelers would make a roster move Thursday on their day off. The expectation was if they did make a move, it would be at the tight end position.

After Dax Raymond injured his ankle earlier in the week, and the Steelers worked out a tight end yesterday, the thought was if a move was to be made, it would be at that position.

Think again.

The Steelers are reportedly signing wide receiver and return man Ray-Ray McCloud. This per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network:

The head scratching aspect of this transaction for the Steelers is how the team feels they need help at the wide receiver/return specialist. The team currently has Kerrith Whyte Jr., Diontae Johnson, Ryan Switzer and even JuJu Smith-Schuster who all have experience returning both punts and kickoffs.

There could be an injury a player spawning this move, but as of now it is time to learn more about the player the Steelers are reportedly acquiring.

McCloud is a speedy receiver who also doubles as a return specialist, and has spent the majority of his professional career with the Buffalo Bills. However, he did have a stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2019 before being cut.

McCloud was drafted in the 6th round out of Clemson in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Playing in 10 games, McCloud had 5 catches for 36 yards his rookie season along with 4 punt returns and one kickoff return.

Following his second training camp with Buffalo, McCloud did not make the Bills 53-man roster and was claimed by the Carolina Panthers off of waivers. In 6 games, McCloud had no targets as a receiver but had 10 punt returns as well as 8 kickoff returns. Released in October of 2019, McCloud rejoined the Bills on the practice squad for the remainder of the season. Signing a futures contract with Buffalo for 2020, McCloud was released at the end of January as the Bills cut down to 80 players.

UPDATE

To make room for McCloud on the team’s roster, they have parted ways with former Penn State receiver Saeed Blacknall.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC or the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they continue to roll through Training Camp at Heinz Field and prepare for the 2020 regular season.