Panthers make bold WR signing after Adam Thielen trade

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow during pregame warmups against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Panthers make bold WR signing after Adam Thielen trade

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 11:57 AM ET

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The Carolina Panthers are bringing back a familiar face, according to FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz.

"Sources: The Panthers are re-signing WR Hunter Renfrow to their 53-man roster. After trading Adam Thielen to the Vikings, Carolina really liked the idea of bringing Renfrow back as a reliable target for Bryce Young working out of the slot," Schultz tweeted.

Sources: The #Panthers are re-signing WR Hunter Renfrow to their 53-man roster.

After trading Adam Thielen to the #Vikings, Carolina really liked the idea of bringing Renfrow back as a reliable target for Bryce Young working out of the slot. pic.twitter.com/jotOVoA9kf
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 30, 2025

Renfrow replaces Thielen and Jalen Coker, who is going to injured reserve.

"In a corresponding move, Carolina WR Jalen Coker is being placed on IR due to a quad injury," ESPN insider Adam Schefter tweeted.

Panthers are re-signing WR Hunter Renfrow to their active roster, per sources. Renfrow played at Clemson, and now will get to play at Carolina.

In a corresponding move, Carolina WR Jalen Coker is being placed on IR due to a quad injury. pic.twitter.com/ooe0AHUV5Y
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2025

This means Renfrow will join first-round picks Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette at the top of the Panthers wide receiver room. Carolina also has Brycen Tremayne and David Moore in the wide receiver room alongside rookies Jimmy Horn Jr. and Dalevon Campbell.

It remains to be seen what Renfrow's role will be in the Panthers offense. He certainly has the ability to get some legitimate reps with the Panthers, but he was also cut ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.

Renfrow had over 1,000 yards in the 2021 NFL season with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he has struggled in the three years since. In 2022, he had just 36 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns. In 2023, he managed to catch just 25 passes for 255 yards. In 2024, Renfrow was out of the NFL as he was dealing with a bad stomach illness.

Now, he gets a chance to truly bounce back for the Panthers now that he is on the 53-man roster.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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