Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales Shares Real Hunter Renfrow Observation Amid NFL Comeback

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated May 28, 2025 9:54 AM ET

Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is making a comeback to the NFL after being away for the entire 2024 season. Now with the Carolina Panthers, Renfrow has a chance to shine again and be a significant contributor to a team, just like during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Renfrow, who is still just 29 years old, last played in the NFL in 2023 with the Raiders. Selected by then-Oakland Raiders in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft, Renfrow stepped away from the league in 2024 to deal with an autoimmune condition called ulcerative colitis.

Carolina Panthers head coach shares thoughts on Renfrow amid offseason

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In April, Renfrow was signed by the Panthers to a one-year deal worth $1.22 million. It was far from the much more lucrative contract he last signed with the Raiders in 2022, which was a two-year deal worth $32 million.

But he could be due for a huge pay raise down the road if he puts together a head-turning season in 2025.

“You see weekly, he just makes these huge strides, just getting his feet under him,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said about the former Clemson Tigers star wideout (h/t Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire). “And I can tell too, just having coached wide receivers especially, but he’s got a lot in his game. Releases, top-of-the-route setup, avoidance, different things where he can double up stuff at the top of his routes.

“And you can see him kinda working through his inventory, kinda his tool bag—if you will. And it’s been really cool just to watch him, as his feet get underneath him and the explosiveness and all the little things show up, it’s been really fun to see.”

Renfrow’s best season in the NFL so far came in 201 when he had 1,038 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 103 catches and 103 targets through 17 games with the Raiders.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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