Let’s face it, Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler not shipping out Hunter Renfrow has turned into a massive error and a PR nightmare for head coach Josh McDaniels and the organization as a whole.
After being decimated by injury last season, it seemed fitting that a grinder and fan favorite such as Renfrow would bounce back. Year 2 under McDaniels should’ve been the start of something special for the Raiders. Instead, No. 13 has been all but iced out of the offense, literally and figuratively. Regardless of who plays at quarterback, Renfrow’s role with McDaniels’ is so diminished that you forget he was once a Pro Bowl wideout that caught 100-plus receptions in one season. With just nine targets through six games, Renfrow’s days in Silver and Black might finally be over.
What should Dave Ziegler and the Raiders do about Hunter Renfrow?
For some quick reference, Renfrow saw 16 targets in the first two games of the 2022 season alone. Clearly, the chemistry and trust between Renfrow and Derek Carr didn’t translate with a new signal-caller in town this year. Prior to Sunday’s action, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini mentioned that, according to league sources, Renfrow would soon be moved.
Let’s look back at what went down against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Perhaps there’s some correlation between Russini’s report and the play-calling. Renfrow was trotted out in just seven of the total 70 offensive snaps—what gives?
The Raiders paid a lot of money to retain Hunter Renfrow. They are not using him to the standard THEY CHOSE to pay him. They didn’t inherit his deal; it is THEIR DEAL. To have spent the $ on Jakobi and draft capital on Tucker shows a log jam. That is a big blunder.
— Hondo Carpenter (@HondoCarpenter) October 15, 2023
You have to wonder what’s really going on if you’re a Raiders fan. If we’re being honest, McDaniels’ play calling and selection continues to drive Raider Nation mad. He simply refuses to open things up; whether it’s a lack of confidence, or fear, there’s no reason a clutch player such as Renfrow should see his production completely nosedive as it has.
If Ziegler and McDaniels already figured Renfrow wouldn’t be a part of their long-term vision, why not move him when his stock was high? It’s not a slight at Renfrow, but his value was likely that much higher prior to the season commencing. More importantly, why keep Hunter Renfrow in town when you turn around and sign Jakobi Meyers, then draft Tre Tucker? The lack of a plan is concerning.
With the trade deadline approaching on October 31st, Raider Nation holds their breath. Does Dave Ziegler have some wizardry up his sleeve?
*Top Photo: The Sporting News