Special teams continues to be a focus for the 49ers as NFL free agency rolls out.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed, the Niners Friday agreed to a three-year, $10.95 million deal with safety and 2020 special team All-Pro safety George Odum. On Thursday night, NFL media’s Tom Pelissero reported San Francisco and return specialist wide receiver Ray Ray McCloud agreed to a two-year contract worth up to $10.4 million. The news comes on the heels of Thursday’s official signing of special teams ace linebacker Oren Burks.
Odum is expected to play a big role on special teams and back up Jimmie Ward at free safety.
The 49ers are still likely in the market for a starting strong safety, whether it be incumbent Jaquiski Tartt or another player via free agency. Matt Barrows of The Athletic also said Talanoa Hufanga or Tarvarius Moore could also be candidates to replace Tartt in the starting secondary
Odum has started 10 games in four seasons. I think Tartt’s role goes to either Hufanga or Moore. https://t.co/PVhxpswBcx
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 18, 2022
McCloud, 25, led the NFL with 367 total punt return yards in 2021 and his 9.7 yards average ranked eighth among players with at least 15 punt returns. The 49ers were in the market for a return man after Trenton Cannon signed with the Tennessee Titans. Coach Kyle Shanahan could also find creative ways the shifty 5-foot-9, 190-pound option the ball on the offense.
The 49ers special teams unit was maligned last season and Richard Hightower left to make a lateral move to join the Chicago Bears. The Niners have brought on former longtime Seattle Seahawks special teams coordinator Brian Schneider to replace Hightower.
