Panthers release ex-Pro Bowl WR before playoffs

The Carolina Panthers took the unusual step of releasing a former Pro Bowl wide receiver on the eve of the playoffs.

The Panthers cut wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. They made the move to add wide receiver David Moore to the 53-man roster.

Renfrow, 30, was attempting to make a comeback after missing the entire 2024 season due to an autoimmune condition. He had 15 catches for 89 yards this season, including two touchdowns, both of which came in Week 2. He had not played in a game since Oct. 12.

Normally, teams are not trying to cut ex-Pro Bowl picks right before the playoffs, and Moore only played in one game all season. Despite that, the Panthers are clearly prioritizing the veteran receiver for the postseason. How much of a part he has to play remains to be seen, but he was clearly always going to be ahead of Renfrow on the depth chart.

Presumably, Renfrow will continue his comeback attempt. He is a former 1,000-yard receiver who was selected to a Pro Bowl as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, but injuries and his illness have prevented him from ever being able to match those efforts in the years since.