Nick McCloud didn’t have to wait long to land a new opportunity. The former Giants cornerback has signed a deal with the **San Francisco 49ers**, according to Dan Duggan of **The Athletic**.
McCloud was released by the Giants last Tuesday after he refused to take a pay cut. New York had tried to reduce his base salary before the season started, but after failing to reach an agreement, the team decided to part ways with him ahead of the trade deadline. McCloud had started five of his seven games this season, playing a rotational role on defense while also contributing significantly on special teams. He prioritized joining a playoff contender, according to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Now, the 26-year-old will join the **49ers’ practice squad**, with the potential to be elevated to the active roster up to three times. While he will add depth to the secondary, McCloud’s special teams skills could be his most valuable contribution to San Francisco. The 49ers have struggled in special teams, currently ranking 30th in **DVOA** (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average), and improving in that area could boost their chances of making the playoffs.
The 49ers have several cornerbacks on their roster for the remainder of the 2024 season, but there are concerns about the future at the position, especially with **Charvarius Ward** and **Deommodore Lenoir** set to become free agents this offseason. San Francisco will face challenges retaining both players due to financial constraints, including the upcoming contract extension for quarterback **Brock Purdy**. McCloud could earn a more permanent role with the 49ers if he performs well during the remainder of the season.
Before being cut by the Giants, McCloud was on a contract worth nearly **$3 million** in base salary. His new deal with San Francisco is expected to be for a smaller amount, but a strong performance over the next few weeks could help boost his future market value.
