Raiders decide to make surprising move at wide receiver

Reasoning and contract

Hunter Renfrow was slated to make $11.882 million in 2024, but nothing of that was guaranteed — so that amount is what the Raiders are expected to save against the salary cap if the team applies the post-June 1st designation. His cap hit would be $13.718 million.

In order to apply the post-June 1st designation, the team has to wait for the new league year to start — and that's why the Raiders didn't release Renfrow earlier.

If the designation is applied, the Raiders will save $11.882 million against the 2024 cap. The team will handle $1.836 million in dead money this year, and $3.672 million in 2025. However, the extra cap space won't be available until June.

If the Raiders don't apply the post-June 1st designation, the team will open up $8.21 million immediately, and there would be no dead money next year.

Track record

Hunter Renfrow was a fifth-round pick by the Raiders in 2019, and he became an important part of the offense right away under head coach Jon Gruden. He had two consecutive 600-yard seasons to start his career, and then broke out in 2021 with 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. Renfrow made the Pro Bowl.

However, his role got progressively lower with Josh McDaniels as the offensive designer. Over the last two years, he had 330 and 255 receiving yards, combining just two touchdowns.

Right before the deadline last year, Renfrow was rumored as a trade candidate, but no deal materialized. Now, he will be a free agent and can sign anywhere.