Hunter Renfrow appeared to be part of the Raiders’ long-term plans not long ago, but the 2022 season did not go according to plan. While speculation has linked the wideout to a trade out of Las Vegas, such a move should not be expected at this point. 
The 27-year-old inked a two-year, $32MM deal last summer, after he enjoyed a career-year in 2021. Renfrow posted 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns on 103 catches that year, earning him a Pro Bowl nod and putting him in line for a considerable raise. Expectations were elevated heading into last season, but injuries and a poor scheme fit in Josh McDaniels‘ offense emerged as issues.
Renfrow was limited to 10 games in 2022, and he posted a statline of 36-330-2. Given the team’s other moves at the receiver spot (highlighted by the signing of Jakobi Meyers and draft addition of third-rounder Tre Tucker), the strong possibility has been raised of a trade sending Renfrow elsewhere this offseason. A fresh start could be beneficial to team and player, but interest has not picked up on the trade front to date.
Vegas has yet to receive an offer for Renfrow, per Tashan Reed of The Athletic (subscription required). As a result, he adds that noting is considered imminent with respect to a trade taking place. The Clemson alum has no guranteed money on his deal in 2024, the point at which negotiations for an extension or a re-worked contract would likely take place. That would make a Renfrow acquisition essentially a one-year rental, something which no doubt hurts his value in a swap.
The situation could certainly change in the near future, but as things currently stand any potential Renfrow exchange would take place closer to the midseason trade deadline. A performance putting him closer to his 2021 production up to that point for the veteran slot operator could lead to an increase in interest, though a strong showing could also lead to a desire on the Raiders’ part to retain him.
Vegas and Renfrow both have questions to answer during the 2023 season, as they each look to move on from disappointing campaigns last year. For now, at least, they appear likely to enter the campaign together, although trade rumors could persist depending on which adjustments (if any) are made to present Renfrow with better opportunities in the Raiders’ revamped pass-catching corps.
Renfrow was banged up last season. I don’t see how he’s not a scheme fit, he seems like he could be what Welker/Edelman were in the same scheme. I think they need to throw him out there and see what he’s got, no need to rush Tucker into a crucial role in his rookie season.
Can’t say I’m surprised that there is little interest in a WR who fumbles once every 22 receptions. By comparison, Fred Biletnikoff averaged a fumble for every 98 receptions.
Biletnikoff used gallon buckets of stickem … ball wasn’t goin nowhere
It appears that Carr’s lack of understanding of the offense has more to do with HR’s low numbers than anything, which is why he is out the door for a QB that gets the system. His 2 TD’s were in the last 3 games of the season last year with a backup QB that understood the system. The value is there. JG is a step from that. Love Carr in the right system for him, but JM’s system is not that.
The trouble is that Carr is not the first player to simply “not fit” McDaniels’ system. McDaniels did show admirable versatility in the year that he completely redid his playbook for the Newton/other backups carousel in New England, and McDaniels’ years with Brady produced some extremely effective offenses. Of course the product will be much better with a legendary quarterback, but the system seemed to benefit Brady’s game in numerous intangible ways.
Perhaps the sheen of that success has convinced McDaniels that he can do no wrong, but he is shedding a lot of talent that could otherwise be adapted or that he could adapt around. Walker is a different type of tight end than Gronk and may have had health or attitude concerns, but it’s hard for me to believe that McDaniels just couldn’t work a talented receiving tight end into “his system”. Renfrow is purest slot receiver that we’ve seen since Welker. Julian Edelman and Danny Ammendola played almost the exact same game. If anything, Renfrow seems like the PERFECT receiver for the McDaniels system-unless McDaniels wants something noticeable different from the Brady days. But, then again, he led a roster purge in Denver, too…so I don’t see this as surprising. Ironic, since this is what the Raiders just did under their last regime (only this time, there is a quarterback question).
Maybe I’m wrong, and time will tell, but it seems to me that the best thing to do when you have talented players is to adapt a bit to their strengths, and not the other way around. Build your system over time, don’t just jettison talent because it doesn’t fit.
IMHO, the best coaches adapt the system to the player (probably more on offense than defense).
McDummy will turn the Raiders back into a joke. As a Broncos fan, that makes me happy. Now if he could go to KC and do the same. It would be amazing
Hoodie JR will turn the Raiders into a joke?
News Flash, he DID turn the Raiders into a joke. He is the all time leader in blown double digit halftime leads. He has under performed the likes of Mike White, Joe Bugle, Norvel Turner, Lane Kiffin, and Tom Cable. To make that like up look good takes effort.
Dudes nice I’d take him quick