Trade news> Potential suitors for the former $32 million Pro Bowler include the Bears.

If Chicago can retain Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Keenan Allen healthy, they might have one of the best wide receiving trios in the NFL in 2024; but, the depth behind them is uncertain going into training camp. Only two of their non-starters have at least 20 career receptions, and both Dante Pettis and DeAndre Carter are established veterans who are very much off the roster.

Could the Bears go after a veteran in free agency again to add depth?

Hunter Renfrow, a former Las Vegas Raiders veteran who was cut by the team on March 13 in order to save $8.21 million on salary cap, is a free agency and might be a viable option for the Bears, according to Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report.

Renfrow was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate in 2021 after catching 103 catches for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns with the Raiders. Since then, though, the 28-year-old’s output has drastically decreased; in the last two seasons combined, he has only recorded 61 receptions for 585 yards and two touchdowns. Put differently, Renfrow has demonstrated that he is not a starter, as has the market that has disregarded him.

However, with 269 career catches, Renfrow fits the Bears’ need for an experienced No. 4 receiver who could battle with rookie Tyler Scott in the slot.

On June 26, Tansey noted, “Renfrow could be utilized in third-down situations in the tight pockets of space in the middle of the field.” All the Bears need is a possession-based wide receiver like Renfrow to offer Williams an additional option in specific circumstances.

“He might not be a player on every play, but he could be useful in situations where the Bears need to convert first downs.”

Is Hunter Renfrow a Cheap Signing for the Bears in 2024?

Tansey’s recommendation is not without merit. The top three receivers for the Bears are inexperienced, and Odunze is the only one who hasn’t played an NFL snap. Although Scott is the clear favorite to start at wide receiver number four in the rotation, he has yet to establish himself after catching just 17 of his 32 targets for 168 yards in a sparse rookie campaign in 2023. Additionally, Velus Jones Jr. has not impressed on offense in his first two seasons in Chicago, but he might earn a spot on the roster based on his ability to rebound from injury.

Renfrow would make sense if the Bears think they need more offensive force in the receiving corps to prepare rookie quarterback Caleb Williams for success in 2024.
Renfrow gains from having a strong background in returns on his CV. During his first four seasons with the Raiders, he averaged 9.7 yards on 70 punt returns; however, in 2023, he did not return punts. But if Renfrow still has it, his return ability along with his receiving background would make him a better player than Carter or Pettis.

The Bears’ budget may also accommodate Renfrow. His value is expected to be significantly lower now that his output has drastically decreased over the last two seasons, even though he signed a $32 million deal with the Raiders in 2022 following his 1,000-yard season. A one-year contract also appears plausible given that the majority of training camps report in a few weeks.

If the Bears believe they need depth, then giving Renfrow a one-year, $3 million contract with playtime or performance incentives could be a wise move on their part.

DAVESPORTSCOMPLEX.COM