After persistent efforts to trade him over the past year, the Las Vegas Raiders have finally decided to part ways with star wide receiver Hunter Renfrow.
Reports confirm that the Raiders will release the former Pro Bowler, a move that will save the team a significant amount in cap space.
Raiders to cut WR Hunter Renfrow, which will save $13.7M in cap space for the team, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/C9BjE876R6
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 13, 2024
Renfrow, drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Raiders, spent five seasons with the club.
His most notable season was in 2021, where he showcased his talent and value with 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, earning himself a spot in the Pro Bowl.
From Free Agency Frenzy: The #Raiders are releasing WR Hunter Renfrow. pic.twitter.com/BYNBZSwA76
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2024
However, Renfrow’s performance has declined over the past couple of seasons, accumulating just 585 yards and two touchdowns combined in 2022 and 2023.
Still trying to figure out how Josh McDaniels ruined Hunter Renfrow after catching 103 passes in 2021 pic.twitter.com/NY2x9iZQ60
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) March 13, 2024
Despite this, his skill set as a slot wide receiver is expected to generate significant interest in the open market.
Farewell Hunter Renfrow. A promising career derailed by a shit coaching staff and ball security issues. Still one of the nastiest route runners in the league tho pic.twitter.com/0VJo1BOVyS
— Khaled (@khaled74) March 13, 2024
Already, two teams have emerged as strong candidates to sign Renfrow: the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints.
You should also keep your eye on other receiver-needy teams such as the New York Giants who figure to explore the possibility of adding Renfrow.
Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has been released.
Patriots target? pic.twitter.com/4XA3k01bub
— Savage (@SavageSports_) March 13, 2024
Meanwhile, the Raiders are also set to release quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo today, freeing up an additional $11 million in cap space. It remains uncertain how the Raiders plan to utilize this newfound financial flexibility.
In free agency, the Raiders made a notable acquisition by signing former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Christian Wilkins.
They also added quarterback Gardner Minshew to their roster. However, speculation suggests that the Raiders are still in the market for another quarterback.
There’s anticipation regarding whether the Raiders will pursue a trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields or possibly explore trading up in the draft (from #13) to pick one of the top quarterbacks.
Ruined by McDaniels. Sad indeed. The third and Renfrow will forever resonate and be missed. I would have hoped they'd restructure vs. cut.
— WolfHoundPop (@hound_pop) March 13, 2024
What are your thoughts on Renfrow as a receiver?
Is he overrated? … Or was he just misused in Vegas the past few seasons?
What type of contract is he deserving of and who will end up signing him?
(Wouldn’t he have made for the perfect Brady-era slot receiver in New England???)
I expected this, But this definitely sucks😞
Thank you HUNTER RENFROW for always exemplifying the true meaning of being A Raider🏴☠️👆#RaiderNation
#13!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/rMIiO7tBpz— Nica🖤🎧🎼 (@NicaLuv0) March 13, 2024