An NFL team's success is often dictated by their quarterback's performance. The Carolina Panthers aren't an exception to this trend, which is why surrounding QB Bryce Young with as much talent as possible should be one of their top offseason priorities. As solid as wideouts Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette can be, more help is needed.
Unfortunately, the Panthers haven't done much to improve Young's arsenal so far. They haven't added offensive weapons outside of signing running back Rico Dowdle and re-signing WR David Moore, leaving fans to wonder if general manager Dan Morgan will wait until the draft for help.
As it turns out, though, a veteran wideout might be on his way to Charlotte sooner rather than later.
Panthers Met With Free Agent WR Hunter Renfrow on Wednesday
NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero are reporting that the Panthers met with free-agent WR Hunter Renfrow on Wednesday. The 29-year-old playmaker is attempting to make an NFL comeback after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2024 offseason.
Comeback? Former #Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow, who did not play football last year but is still just 29-years-old, is visiting his old team the #Raiders today, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 28, 2025
The SC-native also visited the #Panthers Wednesday and could do more. He plans to play in 2025. pic.twitter.com/mbQBwJ20gT
Renfrow would be the perfect on-paper weapon to gift to Young. The former Clemson Tiger is a proven pass-catcher with 269 receptions, 2,884 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns in 73 career outings. His best performance came during his 2021 Pro Bowl season, which saw him tally personal highs in catches (103), yards (1,038), and TDs (9).
It remains to be seen if Renfrow can still perform at that level, though. Injuries caused his production to fall off a cliff following his first (and only) 1,000-yard performance, and the fact that he just missed a year of action makes his ceiling unclear.
At the same time, a potential signing would be a low-risk situation for the Panthers. Renfrow likely won't command too much money due to his recent injury and playing history, meaning GM Morgan can likely scoop him up on a cheap contract that could become a steal if he can return to form.
It's likely in the Panthers' best interest to try securing Renfrow sooner rather than later. Rapoport and Pelissero added that the former 2019 fifth-rounder has already met with the Raiders, too, and "could do more" meetings if interest ramps up.
Even if his best days are behind him, Renfrow could fill the role of a reliable WR3/4 for Young. It's the type of move the Panthers must make if they want to take their franchise signal-caller's game to the next level.