Free Agent Wide Receiver Options For The Buccaneers

Hunter Renfrow, a 2019 fifth round pick from Clemson, was originally brought into the Raiders organization to be a second option and slot receiver in order to bolster their passing attack. Luckily, he was able to do just that. In his first two seasons he accumulated over 600 yards each with an average of over 11 yards a reception. Then he broke out. In his third year, 2021 season, he went off for the tune of 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. unfortunately, everything collapsed after that season. Then in 2022 he only hauled in 36 catches for 330 yards in an injury prone season. In 2023 with poor quarterback play as the main theme and he caught 25 passes for 255 yards. The upside is he remained healthy.

Now, It’s been bewildering that he still remains a free agent this season. Either way, he now has an opportunity to join a contender and play in a familiar position as a slot receiver in order to supplement the loss of Chris Godwin. He would likely be a good fit, especially once Mike Evans is healthy. He has averaged 10.7 yards a catch, not to far off of Godwin’s 12.7. Add in his 74.1 catch percentage, Godwin was at 80% this season, and Renfrow’s 6.1 yards after catch average, Godwin was at 7 yards, and he may very well provide a good filler in Godwin’s absence.

Either way the Buccaneers now need a sure handed slot receiver and Renfrow may be a viable option.

Another option could have the Buccaneers dipping into former enemy stocks. If healthy Michael Thomas could provide some relief. There are many problems however. Thomas has not played more than seven games since 2019, and is also on the books for a one game suspension stemming from an incident in 2023. So immediately his availability is questionable. From a statistical stand point further issues arise. Specifically his yards after catch, even at his best, is no where near Godwin’s. Godwin’s yards after catch have represented a huge boost to the Buccaneers offense and represents more than half his yards on the season. With all those factors combined I would stay far away from Thomas.

After bouncing around the league over the past few season Chase Claypool found himself on the Bills roster to start the season. Unfortunately he was cut and had an injury settlement as he departed. As the season progressed there was some indication that there would be room for Claypool to return as the wide receiver pool stagnated for the Bills a few weeks ago. What happened instead was a trade for Amari Cooper. So could this benefit the Buccaneers.

With a little amount of targets and associated stats over the last few season we look back to the start of Claypool’s career. his rookie season he started to work into the lineup and became a viable second option for Ben Roethlisberger.  That year he had 873 yards on 109 targets with a 14.1 yards a reception average and 5.3 yards after catch average. The following season he again eclipsed the 800 yard mark and had a 4.8 yards after catch average. Then came a string of bad seasons with horrendous quarterback play and bouncing around the league.  So maybe a change of scenery with a good locker room and a solid quarterback are what he needs to bounce back. The Buccaneers could provide just that to a still young 26 year old receiver.

If he were able to resurrect his career in Tampa then it could work out well for both sides not just for this season but on a long term deal after.

There is lots of risk with a bare cupboard of free agents but the Buccaneers have to do something because they are now down Godwin for the season and Evans for at least a week. The question is will this front office pull a trigger or remain stagnant due to the cap situation. In my opinion they should bring in Claypool and Renfrow as compliments to each other assuming they are in a healthy status and playing shape. Renfrow in the slot and Claypool outside. At the end of the day something needs to  be done.