The Las Vegas Raiders released wide receiver Hunter Renfrow from his contract earlier this offseason. As we enter the second wave of unrestricted free agency, Renfrow should intrigue NFL teams as a role-specific player in a pass-happy offense. The former Clemson standout once produced a 1,000-yard receiving season in 2021. He's a bonafide chain-mover with a career average of 10.7 yards per catch.
Injuries and a poor schematic fit in Josh McDaniels' offense limited Renfrow across 2022 and 2023. A change of scenery could help Renfrow recapture the production he enjoyed throughout the first three years of his career. We've identified three potential fits for Renfrow in free agency.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers need to seriously consider drafting a receiver with the No. 5 overall selection after parting ways with both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams last week. New head coach John Harbaugh should have his eyes on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.
Harbaugh and general manager Joe Horitz should also add a veteran contributor in free agency. They have little proven production on the roster with Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer currently sitting atop the depth chart. The receiver they draft should be one who can play on the boundary for Justin Herbert.
Allen's departure created a hole in the slot as well. Allen played 452 snaps in the slot last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Both Palmer and Johnston are best suited to play outside roles. Renfrow would fill a need.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The league-wide expectation is that the Washington Commanders are preparing to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection. Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are both in contention. Whoever Washington's next quarterback is, their front-office decision-makers should continue preparing the offensive supporting cast to be as welcoming as possible.
Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson form an exciting duo on opposite boundaries, but there's room for a veteran slot receiver in 11 personnel. Curtis Samuel filled that role last season by playing 404 snaps at that specific position. Samuel signed with the Buffalo Bills in unrestricted free agency. The Commanders have been extremely active in free agency, but their lone move at receiver was made when they re-signed Jamison Crowder to a modest one-year contract. I'd like to see Renfrow compete with Crowder for snaps.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals arguably have the worst group of receivers in the entire league right now. General manager Monti Ossenfort should be zeroing in on Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall selection. More will be required even if Harrison Jr. ultimately lands in Arizona.
Rondale Moore played 489 snaps in the slot last season. Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons earlier this offseason in exchange for backup quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ossenfort responded by signing veteran slot receiver Chris Moore, but he shouldn't be guaranteed playing time. The ascending Michael Wilson will also play a role next season. Kyler Murray would appreciate targeting a receiver like Renfrow underneath the coverage.
