The Jacksonville Jaguars have lots of talent across the board but also several needs to address this offseason. While it probably doesn't rank at the top of the list, the wide receiver corps could use a boost. Signing someone like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin in free agency would be huge, but if the Jags are looking for a low-risk, high-reward addition, they should turn their attention to Trevor Lawrence's former teammate Hunter Renfrow.
One name that doesn't pop up often in lists of available free agents is Renfrow. A fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft, the former Clemson Tiger became a staple of the Las Vegas Raiders offense, posting 600 yards in back-to-back 600-yard seasons to start his NFL career. It was in 2021 that he put it all together, hauling in 103 receptions for 1,038 yards with nine touchdowns.
Unfortunately, injuries and a change of regime hindered Refrow's production. He became an afterthougth in Josh McDaniels' system and only got playing time once he was given the boot. Surprisingly, the Raiders decided to release the slot receiver in 2024, and he's remained unsigned ever since.
Although Hunter has been linked to a few teams, there have not been actual reports about clubs inquiring about his services. Maybe he wanted to take a year off and get healthy, or perhaps front offices believe he's lost a step. Regardless of the reasons, the Jaguars must kick the tires on him this offseason.
Why the Jaguars must take a flyer on Hunter Renfrow this offseason
The Trevor Lawrence connection is the most obvious reason to sign Hunter Renfrow. Both were teammates at Clemson and have already built a rapport. That said, there are a couple additional factors that could incentivize the Jacksonville Jaguars to target South Carolina native this offseason.
For starters, Christian Kirk is expected to be either traded or released this offseason in a cap-saving move. The Jaguars will need to replace him. Parker Washington proved in 2024 that he's ready to step in his place. That said, the team's brass may want to bring insurance in case he struggles in a bigger role or the injury bug strikes.
While Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin would be intriguing additions to the wide receiver corps, locking up either one won't come up cheap. Meanwhile, signing Renfrow wouldn't be cost-prohibitive given that he spent one year away from the football field. Throughout his career, he's lined up in the slot on 72 percent of his snaps, so he could replace Kirk.
If that wasn't enough, the Jags added Edgar Bennett to their coaching staff. Guess who was Renfrow's position coach in Las Vegas.
Simply put, signing Hunter Renfrow makes too much sense not to do it. If injuries have robbed him of his playmaking skills, the Jacksonville Jaguars can simply move on from him before the regular season begins. But if he's still got it, he would give Trevor Lawrence and the offense a dependable target.
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