The Carolina Panthers made a big trade recently, shipping veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings. In return, they were able to get a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round selection.
Adding more draft capital is always wise, although trading a solid veteran target like Thielen was a tough decision.
Bryce Young is looking to take the next step during the 2025 season. He showed flashes of being a franchise caliber quarterback last year, but will need to prove that for a full season this year.
Moving Thielen left a need at the wide receiver position. Now, the Panthers have made a move to replace Thielen’s role.
Read more: Packers’ Micah Parsons Provides Major Injury Update About Himself
According to a report form NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Carolina has signed veteran wideout Hunter Renfrow to the 53-man roster.
Sources: The Panthers are re-signing WR Hunter Renfrow to their 53-man roster,” Schultz wrote on X. “After trading Adam Thielen to the Vikings, Carolina really liked the idea of bringing Renfrow back as a reliable target for Bryce Young working out of the slot.”
Renfrow was a Pro Bowler not too long ago. Back in the 2021 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he racked up 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns.
Since that season, his role decreased dramatically. Before long, he was no longer on the Raiders. His final season in Las Vegas was in 2023, when he caught 25 passes for 255 yards.
Throughout his entire 73-game NFL career, Renfrow has caught 269 passes for 2,884 yards and 17 scores. He’s more than capable of playing a sizable role within an offense and will now get that chance with the Panthers.
Read more: Steelers’ Will Howard Speaks Out With Strong Aaron Rodgers Message
It will be interesting to see what Renfrow is able to produce with Carolina. The team will need him to be a consistent presence for Young.
Hopefully, he’ll be able to take full advantage of the opportunity he has been given. If he’s able to get back to playing anything close to the way he did during his best years with the Raiders, the Panthers could be getting a major steal with this move.
For more on the Carolina Panthers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
The post Panthers Replace Adam Thielen With 1,000-Yard Pro Bowl WR appeared first on Newsweek.
