The NFL trade deadline always brings a ton of rumors leading up to the final minute. But even after the deadline passes, we continue hearing more juicy tidbits of information, such as one from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport regarding the New Orleans Saints and Pro Bowl wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.
Renfrow, was likely firmly on the trade block, considering how much his role has diminished since his 2021 Pro Bowl season, when he caught 103 of 128 targets for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. In the 18 games since, Renfrow has seen just 66 targets, hauling in 46 receptions for 422 yards and two touchdowns. Not to mention, the Raiders also handed their 5-foot-10 receiver a two-year, $32 million contract extension in 2022.
To not utilize one of your highest-paid weapons? Then to not trade him if he’s no longer part of the team’s plans? It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but perhaps that’s why we’ve since seen coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler get fired.
However, as Rapoport said, the Raiders did reportedly try and work out a last-minute trade that would have sent Renfrow to a new team. But like many other moves the Raiders have done lately, it just didn’t work out.
“One I thought might happen was Hunter Renfrow going to the Saints. There was just no much contractual stuff that they had to work out. Who was going to pay his salary? Didn’t get it done by yesterday. It just, in the end, it did not end up happening.”
Ian Rapoport on near Hunter Renfrow trade to New Orleans Saints
In New Orleans, Renfrow would have become a valuable third weapon, slotting in behind Michael Thomas and Chris Olave. Now, he’ll continue rotting away in Las Vegas, unless rookie QB Aidan O’Connell can take better advantage of the shifty receiver’s skillset.
Related: 2023 NFL trade deadline winners and losers, including Philadelphia Eagles and Ron Rivera