Raiders Rumors: Hunter Renfrow to Be Cut from Contract; Avoid $13.7M Salary Cap Hit

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After making a big splash at the start of the free-agent tampering period, the Las Vegas Raiders are making a move to clear more cap space before the league year officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow will be released by the Raiders going into a season in which he was set to count $13.7 million against the cap.

Rapaport reported on Monday the Raiders agreed to a four-year, $110 million deal with defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Even though the Raiders still had enough cap room to keep Renfrow, his production has significantly declined after a career year in 2021. He set career-highs in receptions (103), receiving yards (1,038) and receiving touchdowns (nine) three years ago.

The Raiders rewarded Renfrow with a two-year contract extension worth $32 million total and $21 million guaranteed going into the 2022 season.

In the two seasons since signing that deal, Renfrow has recorded a total of 61 receptions, 585 yards and two touchdowns. He missed seven games in 2022 due to a concussion and injuries to his ribs and hamstring.

Las Vegas’ receiver room includes Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Tight end Michael Mayer could also be expected to take a step forward going into his second season.

The Raiders could also look to target a receiver in the draft if they want to add more depth at a lower cost. Renfrow’s release will save the team $8.2 million against the cap.

Renfrow was originally drafted in the fifth round by the Raiders in 2019. The Clemson alum was a favorite target for Derek Carr when he was the team’s quarterback. He averaged 69 receptions, 766 yards and five touchdowns in his first three seasons.

At only 28 years old and with a 1,000-yard season on his resume, Renfrow should be attractive for teams seeking help in the slot. He played 86.5 percent of his snaps from the slot in 2023.