Hunter Renfrow's future with the Raiders is murky at best

Renfrow could easily find himself on the outs when it comes to his career in Las Vegas.

Justin Churchill College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders added arguably the NFL's top free agent WR in Jakobi Meyers, but the addition could easily mean the end of Hunter Renfrow's time in the desert.

This comes less than a year after Renfrow signed a two-year $32 million contract extension with the Raiders. Meyers does most of his work out of the slot, as does Renfrow. And while there is a possible world where both players can exist in sliver and black, it's not very likely. 

This mostly comes down to cost: The Patriots signed Meyers to a three-year $33 million deal that averages around $11 million per year, whereas Renfrow's deal averages $16 million per year. Meyers is also a year younger and has extensive knowledge in Josh McDaniels' system. It doesn't make a bunch of sense to have two players playing the same position and simultaneously counting $10+ million against the cap.

Renfrow, on the other hand, appeared in just 13 games last year and recorded career-lows across the board. 

So, you have one guy that has proven to be a very productive player in your system and he's cheaper and younger than the other guy, who hasn't proven to be as productive in your system.

Seems like an easy decision on the Raiders' part, right?

But, unfortunately for Renfrow – that's not all folks.

Friday, March 17 is a big day for both Renfrow and the Raiders. Per Renfrow's contract, his $6.5 million base salary becomes guaranteed and his $4.320 million roster bonus that was guaranteed at signing gets paid out.

The Raiders can avoid that, though, by trading Renfrow before Friday. If they do, it creates nearly $6 million in cap room, per Over The Cap. If they can't find a suitor, they can release Renfrow with a post-June 1 designation and save $6.970 million.

And, the Raiders create $1.462 million in cap room if they release Renfrow without a post-June 1 designation.

It's obviously in the Raiders' best interest to find a trade partner, but there are viable options that allow them to come out on top if they can't.

In other words: It's looking more and more like Renfrow's time with the Raiders is done.

Be on the lookout for potential trade partners this week.