Panthers Release Veteran WR Hunter Renfrow

Hunter Renfrow is an American professional football wide receiver born on December 21, 1995, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He attended Socastee High School, where he played quarterback and was considered a two-star recruit. Despite receiving offers to play football and baseball at the FCS level, Renfrow chose to walk on at Clemson University. After redshirting his first year, he became a key contributor to the Clemson Tigers football team, notably catching a game-winning touchdown with one second left in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama. His collegiate career culminated in winning the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the best college football player who began as a walk-on[2][8]. Renfrow was selected in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, who later became the Las Vegas Raiders. He quickly established himself as a reliable slot receiver known for his agility and precise route running. In the 2021 NFL season, Renfrow emerged as the Raiders' primary receiving weapon, recording 103 receptions—ranking fourth most in the league—and earning his first Pro Bowl selection[2][4]. Over his NFL career, he has been recognized for his efficient catching ability and consistent production despite initial modest expectations[1][2]. As of 2025, Hunter Renfrow plays for the Carolina Panthers, having signed with the team after his tenure with the Raiders. His transition to the Panthers marks the latest chapter in his professional career, where he continues to contribute as a wide receiver. Recent reports highlight his ongoing efforts to regain form and impact after dealing with health challenges that affected his playing time[3][5][6]. Renfrow stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds, and is widely respected for his work ethic and competitive spirit both in college and the NFL[2][7].

Sam Darnold is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. Born on June 5, 1997, in Dana Point, California, he played college football at USC, where he distinguished himself as a highly efficient and productive quarterback. At USC, Darnold set multiple records, including being the only Trojan quarterback to have back-to-back games with five passing touchdowns and leading the nation in several freshman quarterback categories such as passing efficiency and completion percentage[1]. Darnold was drafted third overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, marking him as one of the highest selections of his class[2][4]. He was the youngest quarterback to start an NFL game at the time, debuting with a strong win over the Detroit Lions. However, his tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and injuries, limiting him to no more than 13 starts in any season and a career record of 17-32 as a starter with the team[4]. Following his time with the Jets, Darnold spent a period with the Carolina Panthers and later signed as a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was noted for outperforming Trey Lance in the depth chart during the offseason[5]. In 2025, Darnold signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, where he currently plays, bringing eight years of NFL experience and standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds[2][6][7]. Throughout his career, Darnold has been recognized for his resilience and adaptability, transitioning from a highly promising college star to navigating the challenges of professional football with multiple teams. His current role with the Seahawks reflects his ongoing relevance in the league as a seasoned quarterback[3][5][6].