After hoping to make a comeback to the NFL this season, the wide receiver might have to wait a little longer, as the Carolina Panthers will release Hunter Renfrow. According to the breaking news, the Panthers are moving on from the former Las Vegas Raider despite having an impressive 2025 training camp. However, the team had a huge logjam at the receiver position between Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen (if he stays), Tetairoa McMillan and David Moore. There was no realistic path for the Renfrow to thrive in this offense either way since quarterback Bryce Young would probably target McMillan, Coker or Legette in the aerial attack.
Despite that, it came down to Moore and Renfrow for the final roster spot, and since head coach Dave Canales had more experience working with Moore in the past as a Seattle Seahawk, the release was no surprise. Now, Renfrow will become a free agent and search for the right opportunity at age 29 before he gets older. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Clemson product missed the entire 2024 campaign due to health issues after putting on consistent and strong campaigns during his early days as a Las Vegas Raider, recording stellar numbers in 2021, but he hasn’t been the same since then. It’s hard to imagine that Renfrow will be a free agent again right before the 2025 campaign, but these teams could take a shot at him as he’s in his best shape.
Breaking: Panthers Release Former Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow – Will Seek Opportunity Elsewhere
Next Possible Teams
Washington Commanders
After releasing wide receiver Michael Gallup, the Washington Commanders could be in the market for an offensive weapon for depth. The team is entering the 2025 campaign with two high-level playmakers in Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin, who finally came to terms on a deal. With that, the depth behind them is second-year Luke McCaffrey, Noah Brown and Jaylin Lane. There is room for improvement in this section, as Brown is coming off a brutal injury earlier this offseason, and Renfrow could find a role in this offense.
Given that the Commanders are trying to build an old-school roster as well for Jayden Daniels, the wide receiver signing with the team makes sense to maximize their quarterback, similar to the chemistry that has been developed between Daniels and tight end Zach Ertz.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles made a trade for themselves a few days ago, snagging John Metchie to improve the offensive pass attack for Jalen Hurts. However, Jahan Dotson could be on the brink of a release because of the trade. Despite that, the team got Metchie since AJ Brown was nursing an injury, and it was better than nothing to get the depth now to help DeVonta Smith. Renfrow won’t do much in this offense’s passing game, but learning behind the Super Bowl champions can put him in the best position to show his versatility and put it to the test as a potential WR4 at best.
San Francisco 49ers
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers were in the market for a wide receiver and traded for unproven talent, Skyy Moore. While he has some potential to fit into a role behind Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson, the 49ers would want to get some experience in this offense if they want a chance in the postseason. Renfrow joining San Francisco might not do much to change the outcome of the season, but the more experience, the better for this offensive unit.
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