Obvious WR target just landed in the Steelers' laps after surprise release
The Pittsburgh Steelers' perpetual hunt for wide receiver help continues, albeit to no avail -- yet. However, they may have been given a lifeline courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta has released veteran receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, per an official team announcement. He was a surprise healthy inactive in the Falcons' Week 6 win over the Buffalo Bills, and had his "excused absence" against the San Francisco 49ers. It's unclear exactly what happened, though there was ostensibly tension brewing between him and the coaching staff.
Nevertheless, context aside, McCloud is suddenly available on the open market. He profiles as an all-too-obvious target for the Steelers amid their well-chronicled search for wideout help.
Pittsburgh Steelers-Ray-Ray McCloud reunion makes too much sense after Falcons release
A career journeyman prior, McCloud emerged as the Falcons' primary slot man last season before his falling out with the club. In turn, he posted career-highs across the board, recording 82 fewer years in 2024 (686) than from 2018 to 2023 combined (768). Seeing him thrive as a near-every-down player should motivate Pittsburgh to take a flier, given their unproven pass-catching corps behind two-time Pro Bowler D.K. Metcalf.
Pittsburgh's tight end tandem of Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth has handled most of the reps inside. That alone tells you there's room for McCloud on the bottom of the roster or practice squad, at the very least. The eighth-year pro could instantly assume a meaningful role in the Steelers' offense.
Moreover, as Steeler Nation presumably knows, McCloud spent the 2020 and 2021 campaigns with Pittsburgh. He was primarily a special teamer, and a damn good one. His 367 punt return yards in the second season donning the black and gold led the NFL.
McCloud's pre-existing connection to head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers organization certainly works in all parties' favor. The familiarity makes the idea of an ideal partnership feel like an easy, worthwhile reunion.
It seems that Atlanta's choice to part ways with McCloud is almost exclusively because of what their sideline general, Raheem Morris, called a "private matter." In other words, this wasn't a football-related decision.
Tomlin and the Steelers can handle whatever led to the Falcons moving on from McCloud; just get him in the building. If the guy can run routes and make receptions, that's enough for a Pittsburgh group lacking proven options outside of Metcalf.
NFL Trade Rumor: SF 49ers See Pro Bowler as ‘Ideal’ Nick Bosa Replacement

A new NFL trade report claims the San Francisco 49ers see one specific player as a perfect in-season replacement for Nick Bosa. However, that star is highly unlikely to be traded this year.
Despite being ravaged by injuries, the 49ers have been able to persevere and head into a Week 8 clash against the Houston Texans with a record of 5-2. However, George Kittle is finally back, QB Brock Purdy should return soon, and Brandon Aiyuk is not far from making his 2025 season debut.
But one player they won’t get back this year is star pass rusher Nick Bosa. A few weeks ago, the five-time Pro Bowler tore the ACL in his right knee and is done for the season. Replacing a player of that level during the year is nearly impossible, but that doesn’t mean San Francisco isn’t willing to try.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the 49ers view Cincinnati Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson as “an ideal fit” to fill the void left by Bosa’s absence. However, there is one major problem.
“Hendrickson would be far and away the most attractive trade target if Cincinnati entertains a deal. However, a team source told ESPN, as reported Oct. 14 that the Bengals have no plans to trade the former All-Pro.”
Jeremy Fowler
Trey Hendrickson stats: 6 games, 15 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
A few weeks ago, the Bengals seemed dead in the water and headed toward being sellers before the trade deadline because Jake Browning was terrible in relief of injured star quarterback Joe Burrow. However, after Week 5, Cincy traded for journeyman Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco. And the grey beard has given the Bengals hope for a playoff push.
He played well in a 27-18 road loss to the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago on just a couple of days of practice. Then he threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns in a huge 33-31 win over division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. It moved their record to 3-4 and gave them hope that they can stay in the playoff chase until Burrow returns in December