Hunter Renfrow Meets with the Las Vegas Raiders: Is a Reunion on the Horizon?
In a surprising twist for Raider Nation, former Pro Bowl wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has reportedly met with the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, March 28, 2025, sparking speculation about a potential reunion. According to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Renfrow, who also visited the Carolina Panthers earlier this week, is actively exploring a return to the NFL after sitting out the entire 2024 season. For a player once dubbed "Third-and-Renfrow" for his clutch reliability, this meeting with his former team raises intriguing questions about his future, and what it could mean for the Raiders if a deal comes to fruition.
The Backstory: Renfrow’s Rise and Departure
Hunter Renfrow’s journey with the Raiders began in 2019 when the team selected him in the fifth round out of Clemson. Initially a modest contributor, Renfrow exploded onto the scene in 2021, hauling in 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, a performance that earned him a Pro Bowl nod and cemented his reputation as one of the league’s premier slot receivers. That breakout season led to a two-year, $32 million contract extension in 2022, with $21 million guaranteed, signaling the Raiders’ belief in him as a cornerstone of their offense.
However, the following years didn’t pan out as expected. Under then-head coach Josh McDaniels, Renfrow’s role diminished significantly. Injuries hampered him in 2022, limiting him to 36 catches in 10 games, and by 2023, his production dwindled further to just 25 receptions for 255 yards as the team integrated Jakobi Meyers into the lineup. The Raiders released Renfrow in March 2024, a move that saved them $8.2 million in cap space but left fans stunned given his prior heroics. Since then, Renfrow has remained a free agent, with his name occasionally linked to teams like the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers, though no deal materialized, until now.
The Meeting: A Sign of Mutual Interest?
Renfrow’s visit to Las Vegas comes at a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise. At 29 years old, Renfrow is still in what should be the prime of his career, and his recent comments on social media, dismissing retirement rumors and hinting at a comeback, suggest he’s eager to return to the field. For the Raiders, the timing aligns with a glaring need at wide receiver following the trade of superstar Davante Adams to the New York Jets in 2024. While Jakobi Meyers quietly posted a 1,000-yard season in 2024, the team’s receiving corps lacks depth beyond him, with youngsters like Tre Tucker still developing and tight end Brock Bowers often occupying the slot role.
The Raiders’ current regime, led by head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek, appears open to revisiting past talent, as evidenced by this meeting. Unlike the McDaniels era, which phased Renfrow out despite his extension, the new leadership might see him as a cost-effective, experienced option to bolster their offense. Posts on X from fans and analysts alike reflect a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, with some envisioning a return to the "Third-and-Renfrow" days alongside quarterback Geno Smith, acquired in a trade earlier this offseason.
Is a Reunion Possible?
A reunion isn’t just a nostalgic pipe dream, it’s probable. Renfrow’s skill set as a savvy route-runner with reliable hands remains valuable, particularly in an offense that could benefit from a dependable underneath target. Chip Kelly, the Raiders’ new offensive coordinator, favors a scheme that emphasizes quick, precise passing, which aligns perfectly with Renfrow’s strengths. His familiarity with the organization, having spent five seasons in Silver and Black, could also ease his integration compared to an outside free agent.
Financially, a deal makes sense too. After his $32 million extension flopped in terms of on-field output, Renfrow is unlikely to command a high salary on the open market. A one-year, prove-it contract, perhaps in the range of $3-5 million, could be mutually beneficial, giving Renfrow a chance to reestablish his value while providing the Raiders with a low-risk addition. The Panthers’ interest earlier this week suggests he has other suitors, but a return to Las Vegas, where he became a fan favorite, might hold sentimental and strategic appeal.
What It Means If They Work It Out
If the Raiders and Renfrow can hammer out a deal, the implications ripple across the team’s 2025 outlook:
1. Offensive Boost: Renfrow’s return would add a veteran presence to a receiving corps in flux. Paired with Meyers and Bowers, he could form a trio of reliable targets for Geno Smith, enhancing the passing game’s consistency on critical downs. His knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage could revive the "Third-and-Renfrow" moniker that once defined Raider drives.
2. Cost-Effective Depth: With the Raiders likely eyeing the 2025 NFL Draft to address long-term needs, Renfrow offers an immediate, budget-friendly solution. His signing wouldn’t preclude drafting a high-upside receiver but would provide a safety net as younger players develop.
3. Cultural Impact: Renfrow’s tenure in Las Vegas endeared him to Raider Nation, and his farewell message in 2024, "Once a Raider, Always a Raider",resonated deeply. Bringing him back could galvanize the fanbase, signaling a commitment to blending new direction with cherished history under Carroll’s leadership.
4. Flexibility for Future Moves: A short-term deal keeps the Raiders’ options open. If Renfrow thrives, he could earn a longer stay or boost his trade value. If not, the team risks little, having invested minimal cap space in a known commodity.
The Bigger Picture
Of course, a reunion isn’t guaranteed. Renfrow’s year away from football raises questions about his current form, and the Raiders must weigh whether he still has the quickness that made him a Pro Bowler. Competition from other teams, like the Panthers, who could appeal to Renfrow as a South Carolina native, might also complicate negotiations. Still, the meeting itself is a promising sign that both sides see potential in reviving their partnership. Let’s be honest, Josh McDaniels ruined few careers in his time as head coach but there is no career who suffered more than Renfrow’s.
For a Raiders team aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2024, Hunter Renfrow’s return could be a small but significant step. It’s not a blockbuster move, but it’s a practical one, a chance to reclaim a piece of their past while building toward the future. As Raider Nation awaits word on a deal, the prospect of seeing No. 13 back in silver and black is enough to stir hope on this late March day in 2025.