The wide receiver market is about to get another reliable free agent in Hunter Refnrow. A fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, there was a time when the Clemson product was considered to be one of the best route runners in the league. After two seasons as a reliable slot option, Renfrow’s best season came in 2021. Appearing in all 17 games, the wideout finished the campaign with 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns on 128 targets.
Hunter Renfrow looked to be one of the up-and-coming receivers in the league and the team signed him to a $32 million extension long before he could become a free agent. Unfortunately, he couldn’t maintain his success under new head coach Josh McDaniels. He recorded just 36 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 and continued to fall down the depth chart in 2023 once the Raiders signed Jakobi Meyers.
Even with Antonio Pierce taking over as head coach, the Raiders have decided to make Hunter Renfrow a free agent. After two disappointing campaigns, the Clemson product was no longer worth his $13.7 million cap hit.
The #Raiders will release WR Hunter Renfrow when the new league year begins later today, source said, as he was to count $13.7M against the cap. Renfrow, along with QB Jimmy Garoppolo, will both be free agents. pic.twitter.com/ps7AaFXb1x
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
Raiders To Release Hunter Renfrow, Should Have Free Agent Suitors
While the last two years were disappointing, Hunter Renfrow should have some interest as a free agent. Now entering his age-29 season, it’s highly unlikely that the wide receiver simply forgot how to play football. Josh McDaniels brought out the worst in Renfrow, and it stands to reason that the wideout can revive his career in a better environment. Maybe he’ll never have another 1,000-yard season, but there’s no reason he can’t be a 600-yard receiver in 2024.
In today’s pass-happy NFL, there is no such thing as too many reliable wide receivers. Even if Hunter Renfrow doesn’t break the bank as a free agent, a few teams should be interested in adding him as a depth option.
Top Team Fits
New Orleans Saints
Far and away the most obvious fit on this list, Hunter Renfrow would be a perfect free agent signing for the New Orleans Saints. The wideout isn’t going to receive a massive contract, which is good news for the cash-strapped Saints. The team also needs a new receiver to handle short routes, as Michael Thomas will not be back, and Renfrow already has a connection with Derek Carr from their Raider days. If any team is going to bring out the best in the former Pro Bowler, it’s the Saints.
Dallas Cowboys
For a team that’s supposed to be going all-in, the Dallas Cowboys have been remarkably quiet in free agency. Perhaps their budget is not as large as Jerry Jones suggested, which means they’ll need to find a cost-effective free agent like Hunter Renfrow. With Michael Gallup on the trade block, the Cowboys will need to find a cost-effective third option in the passing attack, and Renfrow could be the man for the job.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers made a good move with the Diontae Johnson trade, but their work is not yet done. Johnson excels at quickly getting open on the outside, but now the team needs to find a reliable slot option. Hunter Renfrow can fill a role as a free agent, and while they’re not the 2007 Patriots, a wide receiver trio of Johnson, Renfrow, and Adam Thielen should be good enough to give Bryce Young a fighting chance.
New York Giants
Whether it’s Daniel Jones or a rookie, someone is going to have to catch passes from the quarterback in 2023. While Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt both offer some promise, neither player is close to a proven option. Hunter Renfrow can be a nice free agent insurance policy in case either player doesn’t continue to grow and this team needs to find another option in the passing attack.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver room is about to look dramatically different. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both carrying massive cap hits and reportedly on the trade block, Jim Harbaugh could part ways with both players at any moment. Seeing as Quentin Johnston showed absolutely nothing as a rookie, the team will need to bring in somebody to catch passes from Justin Herbert. Due to their cap situation, Hunter Renfrow might just be the best free agent this team can afford.
Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA Today Sports
