Getty Hunter Renfrow with Davante Adams & Alex Bars.
It’s been a rough couple of seasons for Hunter Renfrow. After catching 103 passes for 1,038 yards and making the Pro Bowl in 2021 for the Las Vegas Raiders, the wide receiver has not been nearly as productive.
Renfrow had 36 catches for 330 yards last season and has only 25 catches for 255 yards this season despite playing in more games. The Raiders gave him a two-year contract extension in 2022, but it doesn’t appear as if he’ll finish the contract because the Raiders have an out after the 2023 season ends.
Renfrow was candid about Las Vegas’ Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos, which is likely his last as a Raider.
“I definitely think a lot about it,” Renfrow said of potentially playing his final game with the Raiders, according to Vincent Bonsignore’s January 3 column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The wide receiver didn’t mince words, appearing convinced he’ll be getting released or traded at some point this offseason.
“I’m very aware of my contract and what will probably happen at the end of the year,” Renfrow said.
The Raiders will have only a $5.5 million dead cap hit if they release Renfrow in the offseason. Considering his lack of production in 2022 and 2023, it seems unlikely the team would find a trade partner.
Hunter Renfrow Thanks Raider Nation
Renfrow quickly became a fan favorite after getting selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. He developed into a dependable slot receiver, amassing over 600 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons before breaking out in 2021 and being instrumental in the Raiders’ playoff run that season.
He was a much better fit in former coach Jon Gruden’s offense and couldn’t find the same success with Josh McDaniels. Despite going through a couple of rough seasons, Renfrow still has a lot of love for the Raiders and sent a message to the fan base.
“Just how thankful I am for Raider Nation kind of bringing me in and letting me be myself as a rookie and grow as a player and having my back when I wasn’t playing well,” Renfrow said. “And always having my back. And so I think just an appreciation for that and I think about all the guys that have come and gone and been a part of this.
“What brings up together is a common goal, and I think as long as we have that goal and we have each other’s back, then that’s the fun of it. That’s what makes football fun.”
Hunter Renfrow is a top __ route runner in the NFL?
Antonio Pierce Praises Hunter Renfrow
Renfrow had a limited role in the Raiders offense this season. Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers have received most of the targets, and it hasn’t helped that the team has had inconsistent quarterback play.
Perhaps with a better quarterback, Renfrow can return to form at his next stop. Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce said Renfrow is still a capable player.
“He’s an NFL-caliber wide receiver. He’s a starting receiver,” Pierce said during his January 3 media availability. “He’s a really good football player.”
Renfrow is still just 28 and could have some good years left in the tank with the right team.