For a team with an overabundance of talent, the thing that separates the San Francisco 49ers from its competition is its unique blend of depth at each position. As a result, their backups can also feature prominently in the lineup without much fear of a significant drop-off. One of those names that makes that possible is Ray-Ray McCloud. Primarily a return specialist, the wide receiver has carved out a niche for himself in the backup role behind stars like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
A 3-year tenure at Clemson University saw him tally together a solid receiving game. Coming into the league, Raymond “Ray-Ray” McCloud III was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018 in the 6th round with the 187th overall pick. However, after short tenures with the Bills and the Carolina Panthers, he would find his first true home with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A two-year stint saw him excel as a punt returner, leading the league in yards gained.
His impressive play saw the 49ers sign him on a 2-year deal in 2022 as a backup wide receiver and to maximize his talents as a return specialist.
Ray-Ray McCloud’s Contract Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of Ray-Ray McCloud’s current two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 2 yr(s) / $4,000,000 | $1,750,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,785,000 | $2,785,000 |
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2022 | $1,035,000 | $875,000 | $1,910,000 | $2,785,000 | $2,785,000 |
| 2023 | $1,080,000 | $875,000 | $2,090,000 | $1,955,000 | $1,175,292 |
How much is Ray-Ray McCloud getting paid?
Ray-Ray McCloud’s current 2-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers is a very team-friendly deal, especially given his production, which sees him earn just $2,000,000 annually, on average. By the time his contract runs out after the 2023 season, he will have earned a total sum equal to $4,000,000 with unrestricted free agency in the offseason.
How much money does Ray-Ray McCloud make a minute?
Ray-Ray McCloud's earnings from the entire two-year deal are exactly at $4 million, or $2,000,000 annually which earns him just a little under $4 per minute each day.
McCloud has a decently valued contract for the San Francisco 49ers, which he first put to pen after his rookie-scale contract, divided into multiple years, came to an end. While not the most lucrative of contracts out there, his deal offers San Francisco some flexibility in the cap hit and maneuverability in future deals, especially given the dearth of talent that the team has. However, as a backup during injuries, McCloud offers consistency and reliability, something that makes him a coveted asset.
How much of Ray-Ray McCloud’s Contract is guaranteed?
A little over half of Ray-Ray McCloud's contract with the San Francisco 49ers is guaranteed. Further, the entire amount was made available to him at the time of signing at exactly $2,785,000. Due to his lack of playing time as a backup to the team’s star wide receivers, having a guaranteed clause was essential for him. And with more than half of his total contract readily available and a signing bonus of $1,750,000 making up a big portion of the guaranteed sum, it does offer him some insurance.
What are the terms of Ray-Ray McCloud’s Contract?
The contract between Ray-Ray McCloud and the San Francisco 49ers is a relatively simple one. Signed in 2022, the two-year $4 million contract makes McCloud a free agent at the end of the 2023 season. The total amount has more than half of it guaranteed, and $2,785,000 with a signing bonus of $1,750,000 making up a major portion of the guaranteed amount. Moreover, a big part of his contract comes as a per game bonus for the 2023 season which totals to $135,000.
FAQ's on Ray-Ray McCloud’s Contract
A. After a rookie contract with saw him have stints with the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ray-Ray McCloud signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers to act as a backup to the team's star wide receivers.
A. Ray-Ray McCloud makes under $4 per minute each day.
A. Ray-Ray McCloud earns $2,000,000 annually (as of 2024).
A. Since signing a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, Ray-Ray McCloud has adorned the number three jersey.
A. Ray-Ray McCloud will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
