Pros and Cons of Lions Trading for WR Hunter Renfrow

Evaluating whether the Lions should make a move for the Las Vegas wideout.

The Detroit Lions have been linked to several wide receivers throughout the offseason. Depth has been considered an issue for the organization, so it has been viewed as a landing spot for some of the marquee wideouts available. 

The Lions, so far, have been quiet in their limited moves at the position. They signed Marvin Jones Jr. to a one-year deal and drafted Antoine Green, but have been mum on other moves. 

Though the team has been hesitant to make trades outside of draft day, it could pursue one to help deepen its crop of pass-catchers. 

Among the players that could be available is Hunter Renfrow, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

He was a standout in 2021, making a Pro Bowl appearance and surpassing 1,000 yards. Renfrow scored nine times and caught 103 passes on 128 targets. 

However, the addition of Davante Adams last season shortened his role, and made him less of a threat offensively.

He also dealt with injuries, spending time on the injured reserve in 2022 with an oblique issue. In 10 games, he managed to catch 36 passes for 330 yards and two scores. 

To make matters tougher, the Raiders added Jakobi Meyers this offseason. This presumably will lessen the fourth-year pro's role even more. 

Standing 5-foot-10, Renfrow is a prototypical slot receiver. He makes his presence felt with crisp routes, despite not possessing blazing speed. 

The Lions' brass, led by general manager Brad Holmes, has taken a liking to similar types of reclamation projects. Several times during Holmes' tenure, the team has signed a player to a short contract to allow them to prove themselves. 

In the case of Charles Harris, Isaiah Buggs and others, this strategy has paid off. In Renfrow's case, a trade would have to be made. 

Yet, the Clemson product doesn't fit Detroit's primary need at wideout. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a similar build of player who has vaulted himself into the conversation of the league's best. 

If the two were to play together, one would have to be out of position. It wouldn't be an ideal scenario. 

The Lions need help at wide receiver. However, their top target should be a player capable of playing the 'X' position, who has size and speed. 

Between St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, the Lions already have two players who are at their best in the slot. Additionally, Jahmyr Gibbs could see time in the slot as a gadget player for Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. 

Though Renfrow has proven to be a success story as a former fifth-round pick, he ultimately wouldn't be a great fit for a Lions team that already has weapons at his position.