Las Vegas Raiders are signing Hunter Renfrow to a two-year, $32 million extension
Hunter Renfrow has agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport on Friday morning. The fifth-round pick in 2019 is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he had 103 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. Derek Carr’s safety blanket and the third-down machine turned out to be Renfrow. He’s now being compensated as the weapon he’s become.
Renfrow was due to earn $2.54 million in basic salary in the last year of his rookie deal. The new agreement brings him closer to his true worth. Renfrow’s $16 million per year extension almost seems like a bargain considering his potency, production, and rising status this offseason, when compared to a slew of receivers who have surpassed the $20 million per year mark. However, the contract is almost identical to Cooper Kupp’s initial agreement (three years, $15.75 per year). Renfrow, like Kupp, might be in line for a large payout in a couple of seasons.
Renfrow, a slot prince, has evolved into one of the game’s top route runners. At 5-foot-10 and without blazing speed, the Clemson product beats faster corners and creates space with sharp cuts and precise routes. He’s the ideal third-down danger because of his tenacity at the catch and shiftiness with the ball in his hands. Last year, you could bet your bottom dollar that when Carr needed a big play, he went straight to Renfrow.
The Raiders now have two of the best route runners in the NFL at their disposal, thanks to the addition of Davante Adams. While it may appear at first glance that Adams’ presence will detract from Renfrow’s production, this is not the case. However, with the increased focus on the outside receiver, Renfrow should see more favorable matchups in the future. There’s enough pigskin for both of them to thrive.
The contract follows the Raiders’ recent habit of paying to keep local players. Carr, defensive end Maxx Crosby, and now Renfrow have all received contracts before the team has even played a game under the new management. Tight end Darren Waller is the next player to be paid.
