ESPN NFL Insider Wants Vikings to Sign Hunter Renfrow

The Raiders unsurprisingly cut Renfrow after the season. I wouldn’t expect him to land much more than a one-year deal for just over the minimum at this point of free agency, but at that price tag, taking a flier on the 28-year-old seems like a reasoned move. He also returned punts during his time with Vegas, which helps if he’s going to be a fourth or fifth wideout on game day.

What about the Vikings? They’re set atop the depth chart with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but K.J. Osborn joined the Patriots and top tight end T.J. Hockenson is coming off a torn ACL. The Vikings brought in Trent Sherfield this offseason and could expand Brandon Powell’s role, but Renfrow has a much more productive season in his recent past than either player has had at any point during their respective careers. Renfrow would probably be competing with Powell for the third wideout and punt returner role in Minnesota, a battle he could win if given the opportunity.

NFL insider Bill Barnwell on why Minnesota Vikings should sign Hunter Renfroe (ESPN+)

Barnwell makes note of Renfrow’s breakout season in 2021, where he put up 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his play dropped off significantly in the 2022 and 2023 season for various reasons.

The Raiders then cut Renfrow in March 2024, and Barnwell suggests he won’t cost more than a one-year deal for just over the minimum at this point of free agency. With a price tag like that, taking a flier on Renfrow seems like a logical move for the Vikings who could be looking to add depth to the wide receiver position or even punt return capabilities.

Hunter Renfrow’s 2023 stats

As mentioned above, Renfrow’s production dipped significantly after his breakout 2021 season. Renfrow managed only 255 yards and zero touchdowns off 25 receptions last season.

His Pro Football Focus player grades weren’t great either posting a 48.6 overall grade and a receiving grade of 50.4. For reference, Powell finished with an overall grade of 61.7 and a receiving grade of 63.6. Night and day better than Renfrow, but was it exactly all his fault?

Hunter Renfrow’s potential outlook with Minnesota Vikings

Overall, Renfrow’s production was not great last season but a large part of that could be the Raiders quarterback situation. He also battled some injuries last season as well. Putting him in a better situation offensively could do wonders for his career and Minnesota has just that.

Not only that, at the cheap price point the Minnesota Vikings could sign him at, it could be worth a flyer for the team to sign Renfrow. It certainty sounds like Barnwell is in favor of that as well.