After an abysmal 2023 campaign, resulting in a mid-season firing of head coach Josh McDaniels, the Las Vegas Raiders will try to return to relevance next year. The storied AFC West club is on the right track, finding late-season success with then-interim frontman Antonio Pierce. With the interim tag removed, Pierce has started finalizing his coaching staff heading into the upcoming NFL draft and free agency. However, from a roster standpoint, one highly skilled wide receiver is not in the Raiders’ plan going forward. Per Pro Football Rumors, Las Vegas will continue to shop wideout Hunter Renfrow despite the coaching change.
The #Raiders will continue looking for a taker in a Hunter Renfrow trade. Failing that, Renfrow is likely to be released. https://t.co/SfqjMRAgEn
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) February 18, 2024
Renfrow fell out of favor with the offense last season, with former head coach Josh McDaniels failing to utilize his talents more effectively. Rumors swirled around the organization shopping the Clemson product before the deadline, but a deal never came to fruition. Despite a new coaching staff, the Raiders will try to move Renfrow again this offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders: Plotting to Move Hunter Renfrow
The Raiders will continue to look for a trade suitor regarding wide receiver Hunter Renfow. The club tried to move the 2021 Pro-Bowler at the trade deadline last season, but the remaining guaranteed money in his contract became a deterrent. Following his breakout 2021 season, the Raiders inked Renfrow to a two-year contract extension with the Raiders worth $31.7 million. He has an out in his contract following the end of next season but could remain under contract until 2027, his age-32 season. However, after the conclusion of last year, Renfrow is owed only $11 million in non-guaranteed base salary. Pro Football Rumors suggests a rework in his remaining contract could make him a viable trade piece.
Renfrow, a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, has spent his entire five-year career with the Raiders. After back-to-back 600-yard receiving campaigns, Renfrow posted 103 receptions, 1,038 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2021. The two-time College Football Playoff National Champion earned a contract extension for his play. However, Las Vegas hired Josh McDaniels to become their next head coach in 2022, with Renfrow’s playing time taking a massive hit. The 5-foot-10 wideout saw a decrease in snaps while catching just 36 passes for 330 yards in 2022. He again saw a reduction in snaps last year, playing a career-low 35% of the offensive plays.
Hunter Renfrow: looking for a Change of Scenery
Renfrow’s statistical output and playing time fell drastically under the Josh McDaniels regime. He did show some flashes of his old self after Antonio Pierce took over midway through last year, but he still posted lackluster numbers. He did not record a catch in his final five games. A change of scenery could do Renfrow good, especially on a team where he becomes more involved with the offense. The Raiders will likely release Renfrow if they can not find a trade partner.
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