The Las Vegas Raiders have the makings of a talented offense heading into the 2025 campaign. With new faces like quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty teaming up with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers, the Raiders could end up taking a step forward on this side of the ball after a rough year in 2024.
One guy who won’t be a part of Las Vegas’ new-look offense is Hunter Renfrow. After breaking out with the Raiders, Renfrow was surprisingly phased out of their offense before getting released after the 2023 season. After spending a year out of football, Renfrow is attempting to make a comeback with the Carolina Panthers, and he recently explained why he latched on with them instead of Las Vegas.
Hunter Renfrow Opens Up on Decision in Free Agency
The Raiders took Renfrow in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he immediately carved out a role with them on offense. Things really took a turn for Renfrow in 2021, as he caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, all of which are career-highs. That strong play earned Renfrow a trip to the Pro Bowl, and he seemed set to be a key piece of Las Vegas’ offense moving forward.
Renfrow signed a two-year, $32 million contract extension after this season, but his production took a major dip in 2022. While Renfrow missed seven games with a concussion, he didn’t produce much during his time on the field, catching 36 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. He was even less productive in 2023, catching just 25 passes for 255 yards and no scores despite suiting up for all 17 games.
The Raiders decided to part ways with Renfrow after this season, and he did not latch on with another team for the 2024 campaign. This season, he’s attempting to make a comeback with the Panthers, and when explaining his decision to sign with them, Renfrow revealed that being close to his family and friends ultimately played a big role in his decision to sign with them this offseason.
“Carolina means so much to me,” Renfrow said in an interview during the Panthers’ preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I love corn fields, I love seeing trees, seeing deer, and being around family. My family means so much to me, so just to be around them, be around my parents, it was an opportunity that, if I was gonna come back, it was going to be here.”
Hunter Renfrow Fighting for a Spot on Panthers’ 53-Man Roster
GettyLas Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.
In his return to the NFL, Renfrow enjoyed a strong start to training camp, but he’s tailed off recently, leaving him square on the roster bubble with roster cuts looming. Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker are leading the way at wide receiver for Carolina, leaving Renfrow fighting for one of the final spots.
Things could open up for Renfrow if the team decides to trade away Thielen, as reports indicated that the Minnesota Vikings reached out about a potential deal. Assuming that doesn’t happen, though, the next few days could be quite important for Renfrow and his NFL future, and who knows, if he doesn’t stick around with the Panthers, maybe a reunion with the Raiders could be in the cards.
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