The Detroit Lions departures continue.
According to NFL Network, Lions receiver Kalif Raymond has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears, ending Raymond’s five years in Detroit. As of this publishing, there is no information on Raymond’s deal with the Bears in terms of length nor compensation. We’ll update this post when that information becomes available.
UPDATE: Mike Garafolo is reporting a 1-year, $5.1 million deal
Raymond signed with the Lions in 2021 after bouncing around the league for a few years.
In Detroit, his career blossomed, specifically as a punt returner. He was named second-team All-Pro twice in Detroit as a returner (2022, 2024) and led all NFL punt return yards in 2024. All the while, Raymond was a reliable depth to step in at any of the team’s wide receiver roles. He’ll finish his time with the Lions with 77 games played, 29 starts, 2,185 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns.
Joining the Bears, Raymond doesn’t just reunite with his former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but he’ll also have his old position coach back. Antwaan Randle El is the Bears’ wide receivers coach and assistant head coach.
Now, Detroit will need to add a punt returner to its growing list of needs. One possible option is 2025 seventh-round pick Dominic Lovett, although he does not have extensive returner experience. Another possibility, as outlined by our own Al Karsten, is Cardinals free agent receiver Greg Dortch, who has experience with new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
Follow along with all of the latest Lions free agency news here. We’ve also got a rumor tracker right here.
