HUNTER RENFROW ON THE ROSTER BUBBLE IN CAROLINA: “IF I’M HERE, I’M HERE. IF I’M NOT, I’M NOT.” — PANTHERS’ FINAL CUTS LOOMING

With the NFL regular season around the corner, roster decisions are heating up — and all eyes in Charlotte are locked on whether veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow will make the Carolina Panthers’ final 53-man squad. The former Raiders slot machine is facing one of the most uncertain moments of his pro career, and judging by his calm and honest comments to The Charlotte Observer, he’s taking it all in stride. “I’ve never really thought about it like that,” Renfrow said when asked if he’s confident about making the team. “I’ve simply focused on being prepared to play a full season. So, that’s how I’ve approached it. And if I’m here, I’m here; if I’m not, I’m not.”

That right there is vintage Renfrow — humble, even-keeled, and quietly locked in on the task at hand. But that doesn’t make the situation any less intense. For the Panthers, this week is full of hard calls, and the clock is ticking. With final cuts due soon, Renfrow sits squarely on the bubble, caught between a team in transition and a wide receiver room that’s still searching for its identity. Some fans thought the veteran’s experience would make him a roster lock. Others point to younger talent and salary cap math that could push him out. One thing’s for sure: if he doesn’t make the final 53, it won’t be due to a lack of effort.

Renfrow joined the Panthers earlier this offseason after a rocky end to his time with the Las Vegas Raiders. Once one of the most reliable slot receivers in the league — especially during his 1,000-yard Pro Bowl season in 2021 — his production dipped due to injuries and scheme changes. Still, he came into Panthers camp this summer with a fresh mindset and a determination to prove he could still be a difference-maker.

And to be fair, by all accounts, he’s done just that. Coaches have consistently praised Renfrow’s route running, football IQ, and leadership in the locker room. He’s not the flashiest guy on the field, but he’s the kind of player who gets open when others can’t. In practice sessions and preseason games, he’s had flashes of that old Raiders magic — quick breaks, sure hands, and an uncanny knack for finding space in tight windows. But the NFL isn’t always about what you’ve done — it’s about timing, fit, and the bigger picture.

The Panthers wide receiver depth chart has been one of the team’s most-watched storylines all summer. With rookie Xavier Legette trying to establish himself, and names like Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen, and Terrace Marshall Jr. still fighting for consistent roles, the competition is wide open. Add to that a quarterback room trying to stabilize under Bryce Young, and you’ve got a passing attack still in flux. Some argue that Renfrow’s steady hands and veteran savvy are exactly what Young needs — a dependable short-yardage safety valve who can move the chains and be in the right spot, every time.

But then comes the cap conversation. Renfrow is a vested veteran, which means his salary becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the Week 1 roster. With the Panthers trying to balance long-term rebuilding with short-term competitiveness, every dollar matters. If the front office believes similar production can come from a younger, cheaper player, that could sway the final decision — even if Renfrow is the better option today.

Still, what’s clear is that Renfrow hasn’t let the noise affect his mindset. His quote says it all — no drama, no panic, just professionalism. That’s part of why fans respect him so much. He’s never been the diva type. He shows up, does his job, and lets his play do the talking. And even as the uncertainty swirls, he continues to mentor the younger guys, set an example, and prepare as if he’ll be suiting up in Week 1.

And hey, let’s not forget what happens to guys like this. The NFL is full of stories where vets get cut, only to be re-signed days later due to injury, scheme fit, or just plain roster movement. Even if Renfrow doesn’t make the initial 53, he could very well find himself back in Carolina — or snapped up quickly by another team in need of a plug-and-play slot receiver. Teams like the Patriots, Bengals, or even a reunion with the Raiders (crazy, but possible) could all make sense depending on how their WR situations shake out.

For now, though, the waiting game continues. Fans are speculating, insiders are watching closely, and Renfrow? He’s staying focused. That’s what separates the pros from the rest. He knows how this league works. He knows he’s done what he can to put himself in a position to contribute. And now it’s in the hands of the Panthers’ coaching staff and front office.

So, what do you think? Should the Panthers keep Hunter Renfrow on the final roster? Does his experience and reliability outweigh the salary cap concerns and roster crunch? Or is it time for the team to go younger and lean into the rebuild? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — and if you saw this story on Facebook, we’d love to hear from you there too. This kind of roster battle is what makes preseason so intense, and your opinion adds to the fire. Whether he stays or goes, one thing’s for sure: Hunter Renfrow’s journey isn’t done yet — and whichever team he lands with, they’re getting a guy who’s all heart, all hustle, and always ready.