Hunter Renfrow, Panthers Agree to Contract As Former Raiders WR Makes NFL Comeback

Hunter Renfrow is making his return to the NFL.

The wide receiver, who has been away from the league for a year, signed a deal with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero first reported the signing.

Renfrow, 29, was a fifth-round pick out of Clemson in 2019, starting his career with the then-Oakland Raiders and remaining with the team as it moved to Las Vegas. He had a pair of strong seasons in 2019 and 2020 before a breakout year in 2021 in which he recorded 1,038 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod.

After the big year in 2021, Renfrow dealt with some injuries that led to a major drop-off in his production. He suffered a concussion in Week 2 before dealing with rib and hamstring injuries in November that led to him going on the injured reserve list. He played 10 games in 2022, recording 330 yards and two touchdowns.

In 2023, Renfrow was healthy for the entire season but couldn't find his groove as he finished with just 25 receptions for 255 yards. Las Vegas released him at the end of the season.

Before signing with the Panthers, Renfrow met with Pete Carroll and the new coaching staff in Las Vegas, but ultimately didn't end up reuniting with his former team.

Instead, the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, native will stay close to home as he looks to find his place in the NFL again. Renfrow, a star at Clemson, appeared to be on his way to being one of the best slot receivers in the league a few years ago. While his career took a detour, he now has the chance to be productive on a young Panthers squad.