Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has been the subject of trade rumors ever since the team signed Jakobi Meyers in free agency, but there is reason to believe he might finally get a new NFL home. Following a breakout 2021 season where the Clemson product recorded 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, most believed that the slot receiver would thrive under new head coach Josh McDaniels.
Instead, the former fifth-round pick took a dramatic step back. In 2022, Renfrow recorded just 36 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns on 50 targets. Any hope for a bounce-back campaign in 2023 quickly ended after the team signed another slot receiver in Jakobi Meyers, opening the door for the Hunter Renfrow trade talks to begin.
Nothing came of those talks, in large part because Renfrow still had a good amount of guaranteed money on his contract. With most of the money already paid, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal says the team will try to trade Hunter Renfrow again. If they can’t find a suitor, Bonsignore reports that the team will likely release him.
Raiders Shopping Hunter Renfrow, Trade Could Come Soon
Whether it’s by trade or release, it appears as though Hunter Renfrow has probably played his last snap with the Raiders. This is probably for the best, as the wide receiver could use a change of scenery at this point in his career.
While Hunter Renfrow probably won’t be able to match his 1,000-yard season ever again, he can still be a productive player in the right system. Basically, he’s a modern-day Cole Beasley who can move the chains when called upon. He can’t carry an offense all by himself, but he’s a good depth option. Whether it’s a trade for a late-round pick or just a free agent signing, these five teams should have some interest in Hunter Renfrow.
Possible Team Fits
New Orleans Saints
Hunter Renfrow had his best season with Derek Carr, so it only makes sense that the two sides reunite via trade. The Saints have a great young wide receiver in Chris Olave, but they could use a reliable stick mover for shorter passes. The Saints might trade Michael Thomas, as both sides could benefit from a fresh start. Renfrow might be better than Thomas at this point in their respective careers, and he definitely has a better rapport with Carr.
New York Giants
The New York Giants need all sorts of help on the offensive side of the ball. With a subpar offensive line, this team needs somebody who can get open quickly and pick up hard yards after the catch. Hunter Renfrow is the ideal fit for this job, as the trade target should be able to seamlessly fit into Brian Daboll’s offense as the reliable slot option.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans have a good perimeter threat in DeAndre Hopkins, and that’s about it. This offensive line has a strong case for being the worst in the league, and second-year quarterback Will Levis won’t be able to survive without someone who can get open after just a second or two. Every young quarterback needs a security blanket, and Hunter Renfrow could fill this role in a trade.
New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers is going to suit up for the New York Jets in 2024, but he probably won’t have his patented mobility and escapability. Achilles injuries are difficult for even the youngest of players, and Rodgers is entering his age-41 season. He’s not going to be able to extend plays on his own, which means the Jets will need to trade for a player like Hunter Renfrow who can be there when Rodgers needs to get the ball out quickly.
Carolina Panthers
Will a Hunter Renfrow trade fix all the problems with the Carolina Panthers? Definitely not. However, it’s a good first step in the right direction. Bryce Young had one of the lowest average depth of targets in the league last year, and while most of that was a product of poor offensive line play and a lack of vertical threats, Carolina could use somebody capable of doing something with all those short dumpoffs. If nothing else, Renfrow can be a safety option on just about every dropback, and that’s something Carolina desperately needed last year.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
