Hunter Renfrow reflects on struggles: "I felt like I let my teammates down."

The Carolina Panthers have re-signed wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, a move aimed at bolstering their receiving corps following recent roster changes.

Why it matters: Renfrow's addition comes at a critical time for the Panthers, who are navigating a series of transitions within their offense.

  • The team lost veteran Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings and faces an early season without promising receiver Jalen Coker, who is on injured reserve due to a quad injury.
  • Renfrow brings experience and a Pro Bowl pedigree despite recent struggles, which may provide a much-needed boost to a reshaping offensive scheme.

What's new: Renfrow has signed a one-year deal with the Panthers after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

  • His tenure in Las Vegas was marred by health issues, including a year-long battle with ulcerative colitis that sidelined him during the entire 2024 season.
  • In 2023, he recorded only 57 receptions for 699 yards and three touchdowns over 13 games, reflecting a significant dip in production compared to his previous seasons.

Yes, but: While Renfrow's past accolades are noteworthy, his recent performance raises questions about his current form.

  • Coach Dave Canales observed that at the time of his release, Renfrow was not fully back to his training camp form.
  • "I felt so bad those two years, and I felt like I let my teammates down so much... I was just a dud," Renfrow remarked, highlighting his self-awareness regarding his recent struggles.

What to watch: The Panthers decision to sign Renfrow indicates their commitment to enhancing their receiving options.

  • With Coker expected to miss the first four to six games, Renfrow could step into a more prominent role as the team seeks to establish a reliable passing game.
  • As Renfrow acclimates to his new environment, observers will be keen to see how quickly he can regain his form and chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young.

Between the lines: Renfrow’s lateral quickness and route-running ability make him a fitting candidate for a spread offense, enabling him to exploit defensive coverages effectively.

  • Brad Idzik, who commented on Coker's skills, noted the importance of lateral quickness in an offense designed to create mismatches and leverage defensive weaknesses.

The bottom line: Hunter Renfrow's signing with the Panthers represents both a reclamation project and an opportunity for the team to fill gaps left by departing veterans.

  • If he can recapture the form that earned him a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, Renfrow could become a crucial asset for the Panthers in their pursuit of offensive cohesion and production this season.
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Hunter Renfrow reflects on struggles: "I felt like I let my teammates down."