GOOD NEWS: Raiders Expected to Remove Fan Favorite in Order to Save $8.1M
This summer, the Las Vegas Raiders are changing up their front staff, so anything may happen with the current roster. Hunter Renfrow, a wide receiver, is one guy who is probably on the move.
According to Bleacher Report, the Raiders want to let go of the former Pro Bowler this summer in an effort to reduce their salary cap.
The BR NFL Scouting Department stated in a blog published on January 16 that “Hunter Renfrow was not a fit with Josh McDaniels and the move to interim coach Antonio Pierce didn’t help matters.” This season, despite playing in all 17 games, Riddick only managed to record 25 receptions for 255 yards and no touchdowns. He was little used in the offense, and he is definitely not the same player he was in 2022 when he inked a $23.9 million, two-year contract deal.
The Raiders might look for a trading partner. Prior to the trade deadline, they supposedly came “very close” to dealing Renfrow to the New Orleans Saints; nevertheless, it seems more likely that they will have to bench him and take the $8.1 million in cap savings.
Renfrow signed a two-year, $32 million contract extension with the Raiders in 2022, but since then, he has only caught 61 catches for a total of 585 yards. Renfrow’s fresh start could be in the best interests of all parties.
Where Could Hunter Renfrow End Up?
The Saints were considering a trade for Hunter Renfrow during the season, as Bleacher Report noted. It makes perfect sense for the wide receiver to go to New Orleans. His best playing years were spent alongside quarterback Derek Carr, and he is a native of the South. There are also rumors that Jon Gruden will work for the Saints.
It makes sense for Renfrow to land there, and it’s not hard to imagine him succeeding there once more. In 2021, he caught 103 catches in a Gruden offense that was led by Carr. The Saints would be a far better fit for him. Nevertheless, he ought to spark some attention within the league. The Chiefs are desperate to give Patrick Mahomes additional support, and the New York Jets could want to offer Aaron Rodgers another weapon.
It is unclear what he might do if he is released, even if the Saints are the obvious destination for him to land. Other teams might be prepared to offer him a higher salary.
Hunter Renfrow basically acknowledged as much before the Raiders’ Week 18 matchup with the Denver Broncos, so it appears that this was his final game as a Raider. Still, the Raiders will likely have a new quarterback and offensive playcaller in 2024.
Whoever the new offensive coordinator is may prefer to keep Renfrow around. Perhaps he’d be willing to restructure his contract in order to stay but he may also prefer a fresh start. It’s unlikely the Raiders are willing to keep him at his current $13.68 million cap hit for 2024. He’s certainly going to be a player to watch in the coming weeks.
Since joining the team in 2019, Renfrow has been a fan favorite, but it appears that he isn’t able to get open as frequently as he did in the past. It will take time to determine whether that was because of the playcalling or if he fell.
