CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers are bringing a familiar face back to the NFL, signing veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow to a one-year contract on April 28, 2025. The former Pro Bowler, who sat out the 2024 season, is set to join his hometown team in a move that adds depth to a young receiving corps fresh off the NFL Draft.
Renfrow, a South Carolina native and Clemson standout, last played in 2023 with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he carved out a reputation as a reliable slot receiver. His 2021 Pro Bowl season—103 catches, 1,038 yards, nine touchdowns—still lingers in the minds of Panthers brass, who see the 29-year-old as a steady hand for quarterback Bryce Young. The signing comes just days after Carolina bolstered its roster in the draft, selecting wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the first round and Jimmy Horn Jr. in the sixth.
The deal, finalized after Renfrow visited the Panthers’ facility earlier this month, marks his return to football after a year away. He also met with the Raiders in late March but opted for Charlotte, where he’ll play for a franchise just 90 miles from his childhood home in Myrtle Beach. The Panthers, coming off a 7-10 season, are banking on Renfrow’s veteran savvy to complement their new draft picks and established targets like Diontae Johnson.
Renfrow’s career stats speak for themselves: 323 receptions, 3,567 yards, and 19 touchdowns over six NFL seasons, all with the Raiders. His knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage and making tough catches in traffic could give Young a security blanket on third downs. The one-year contract, while short-term, signals Carolina’s intent to compete now while grooming their younger talent.
The Panthers confirmed the agreement on April 28, with paperwork handled by Renfrow’s agency, MGC Sports. Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but the deal fits Carolina’s recent pattern of low-risk, high-reward veteran signings. Renfrow is expected to report to offseason workouts immediately, joining a receiver room that’s suddenly crowded with potential.