Latest Update: Niners Sign a sensational superstar for Special Teams Role Amid McCloud Departure

Since Ray-Ray McCloud is no longer with the team, the Niners are searching for a replacement.

Trent Taylor has officially signed a one-year contract with the 49ers. As soon as the contract details are available, we’ll update this page. That will indicate whether or not Taylor’s roster spot is guaranteed by the Niners.

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly talking about a potential reunion with a free-agent wide receiver and returner, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Since Ray-Ray McCloud is an Atlanta Falcon, there is a special teams spot available.

Deebo Samuel filled in as the team’s kick returner on occasion last season. However, the benefit of improved field position isn’t worth subjecting Deebo to additional pointless hits.

Ronnie Bell was a rookie from Michigan who was also a returner, but he had trouble holding onto the ball and fielding it correctly. Bell’s inclusion on the roster is likewise not assured. Jordan Mason, the running back, could be able to return kicks, but Taylor can return punts.

Taylor’s birthday is April 30. He averaged 8.2 yards per return as a punt returner for the Chicago Bears in 2023. With the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, he performed even better, averaging 10.3 yards per return on 33 tries.

Coach Kyle Shanahan has always stressed the value of his receivers’ versatility. Taylor had only six receptions in the last two seasons while serving as the starting return guy each of those seasons.

Taylor’s attention to the 49ers indicates that they were unable to find a reliable return man in the NFL Draft. Since there’s no rush to sign Taylor, that might alter.