After sitting out the 2024 season, one-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is attempting to make an NFL return. A fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Clemson product outplayed his draft stock early in his career and peaked with a 103-catch, 1,038-yard season in 2021. This impressive campaign helped the Raiders make the playoffs and earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster. At the time, he appeared to be on the rise as a promising young playmaker.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t maintain that magic under new head coach Josh McDaniels. Following a disappointing 2022 where he recorded just 36 receptions for 330 yards, the team signed Jakobi Meyers to effectively replace him in the offense. After an equally disappointing 2023, Vegas cut the wideout and the former fifth-round pick spent 2024 out of football.
However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently tweeted that Hunter Renfrow hopes to return to the league. Saying that he “plans to play” in 2025, the NFL insider reported Renfrow already visited with the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, but that more teams are interested.
REPORT: Hunter Renfrow Eyeing NFL Return – At Least 2 Teams Interested
While the Raiders still have Jakobi Meyers, they could use another set of hands. Davante Adams is gone, and someone else must catch passes for Geno Smith. Pete Carroll always had a reliable slot receiver during his time as Seattle’s head coach, and Renfrow could serve that role in 2025. While Meyers will remain the top option in the passing attack, Hunter Renfrow could make his NFL return on a discount contract and beat out guys like Tre Turner and Kyle Phillips for touches.
The Panthers, meanwhile, have some promising young players with high ceilings and low floors. Former undrafted free agent Jalen Coker spent most of his rookie season in the slot and should keep that role in 2025. However, if he regresses or doesn’t take the Year 2 leap, having a reliable veteran like Renfrow competing for the job will ensure Bryce Young has someone reliable in the slot at all times.
Of course, these are just the two teams who have already given Hunter Renfrow a chance at his NFL return. Rapoport’s tweet implies more teams could be interested, and the following two make the most sense.
Other Suitors
The New Orleans Saints could compete in a weak NFC South in 2025. Derek Carr is back for another season and, on paper, the wide receiver duo of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed is enough to support the veteran. However, they could use a slot receiver, especially with Olave’s extensive concussion history. Hunter Renfrow had his best seasons with Derek Carr, so the Saints could grant his wish for an NFL return and see if the two can recapture their old magic.
The Washington Commanders are ahead of schedule in their rebuild, as first-year quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn guided the team to the NFC Championship Game in 2024. Now, it’s time for them to turn this roster into a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Terry McLaurin is a stud and Deebo Samuel is a perfect fit for Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, so Hunter Renfrow wouldn’t be anything more than the third option in the passing attack. With that being said, this team could use a situational chain mover and slot receiver, and Renfrow could thrive in that type of role.
