Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow broke out in 2021, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Two years later, Renfrow is in jeopardy of being traded or potentially cut in a matter of days.
In his third NFL season, Renfrow became a go-to option from the slot in the Raiders’ offense. He drew 128 targets, turning them into career-highs in receptions (103), receiving yards (1,038) and touchdowns (nine).
- Hunter Renfrow career stats:Â 252 receptions, 2,702 receiving yards, 10.7 yards per catch with 17 touchdowns in 63 games
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Following the breakout year, with incoming coach Josh McDaniels’ offense prioritizing slot receivers, Renfrow seemed to be destined for a big role. It seemed even more likely after Las Vegas signed him to a contract extension.
McDaniels soon began phasing Renfrow out of the Raiders’ offense in 2022. He only drew 50 targets – 36 receptions for 330 receiving yards – last season and became a non-factor this year after Las Vegas signed Jakobi Meyers. Now, the Raiders are calling around the league trying to find a new home for the 5-foot-10 slot receiver.
Appearing on Yahoo Sports’ Inside Coverage podcast, NFL insider Charles Robinson explained that he does believe Renfrow will be traded. However, if Las Vegas can’t find a deal by Oct. 31, a release is very possible.
“I think he’s getting traded or released, I really do. I think if they don’t get a deal done for him…He’s a usable player, I really do think he’s gonna get traded, there are too many teams right now that would like to pick up a wide receiver…I think if he doesn’t get traded, I do think there’s a realistic possibility that he gets cut on the other side of the trade deadline.”
Charles Robinson on Hunter Renfrow’s future with Las Vegas Raiders
NFL teams are very aware of the situation in Las Vegas. Since training camp, the Raiders’ front office has called around the league and explored its trade options. However, there has not been well-documented interest in Renfrow.
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Las Vegas would likely be asked to pay down Renfrow’s $13.126 million cap hit to facilitate a deal. Even then, the return would likely be nothing more than a swap of future Day 3 picks.
The problem for the Raiders is what happens if a deal doesn’t materialize. Enough NFL teams might determine Renfrow’s situation in Las Vegas can’t be repaired and there’s no chance he’s worked back into the offense.
With both sides agreeing that a change of scenery is necessary, releasing Renfrow would be the only option in November after the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline. If that happens, Renfrow could generate interest on waivers or he’ll receive offers after clearing waivers and becoming a free agent.
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