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The Detroit Lions tried out former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud on Sunday, ESPN's Marc Raimondi reported. McCloud signed with the Falcons as a free agent in 2024 and recorded a career-high 62 catches for 686 receiving yards as the team's starting slot receiver.
However, the 29-year-old return specialist struggled to replicate that success during his second season in Atlanta. McCloud was barely involved on offense in 2025, and after being listed as a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, he was released following the team's Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Something seemed to be off in the Falcons' wide receiver room last season. Both McCloud and Darnell Mooney struggled after breakout years in 2024, and the team fired WRs coach Ike Hilliard after a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The day before McCloud was released, the veteran wide receiver was sent home from practice without much explanation from former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
"I wouldn't say it is a disciplinary thing," Morris said at the time. "More a football thing with something we have to get straightened out."
At his best, McCloud is a talented slot receiver with experience as both a kick and punt returner. The Lions are looking for wide receiver depth, and McCloud is looking for a fresh start.
On paper, it makes a good amount of sense for both parties.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former Falcons wide receiver gets tryout with Detroit Lions
Continue reading...
However, the 29-year-old return specialist struggled to replicate that success during his second season in Atlanta. McCloud was barely involved on offense in 2025, and after being listed as a healthy scratch for three consecutive games, he was released following the team's Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Something seemed to be off in the Falcons' wide receiver room last season. Both McCloud and Darnell Mooney struggled after breakout years in 2024, and the team fired WRs coach Ike Hilliard after a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
The day before McCloud was released, the veteran wide receiver was sent home from practice without much explanation from former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
"I wouldn't say it is a disciplinary thing," Morris said at the time. "More a football thing with something we have to get straightened out."
At his best, McCloud is a talented slot receiver with experience as both a kick and punt returner. The Lions are looking for wide receiver depth, and McCloud is looking for a fresh start.
On paper, it makes a good amount of sense for both parties.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former Falcons wide receiver gets tryout with Detroit Lions
Continue reading...
