During the 2022 offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders made perhaps the biggest, non-quarterback related move when they traded for former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. The league’s best wideout, him and quarterback Derek Carr have a relationship dating back to their college days.
Both Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs will return for 2022 as well. Some of the league’s best at their positions, they combine with Adams to create one of the league’s most potent offenses. However, none of them will be more important than Hunter Renfrow.
Hunter Renfrow is the key to the Raiders’ success
When thinking back on the Patriots dynasty over the last twenty-plus years, you think of legends such as Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Rob Gronkowski. While they were not Hall of Fame-caliber players, both Wes Welker and Julian Edelman were massive parts of the offense.
Diminutive slot receivers, their impact can always be felt. The architect of those Patriots’ offenses, Josh McDaniels, is now the head coach of the Raiders. Lucky for him, Renfrow fits a similar profile to those receivers.
Hunter Renfrow with a FILTHY route 🔥 pic.twitter.com/h3a6T1EWNw
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 10, 2022
Last season, Renfrow exploded to the tune of 103 receptions, 1,038 yards, and nine touchdowns. In doing so, he appeared to become Carr’s favorite receiver as he knew he could rely on him in all spots. Now, he will be put into an offense that allows him to become a centerpiece. With both Adams and Waller involved, teams will no longer be able to double team him as they did often last season. With his route running, that is a win for Las Vegas.
While Adams and Waller will likely supply the big plays, Renfrow will be the one who holds it all together. After all, they call him “Third and Renfrow” for a reason. One of the NFL’s most underrated players, he just received a handsome payday.
Although he is not the most exciting player in Las Vegas, look for Carr and Renfrow to hook up often when it matters most. With a big contract already signed, now it’s time for Renfrow to justify the Raiders’ faith in him. So far, that has not proved to be a difficult task.
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Top Image: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel