Kalif Raymond
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 8: Kalif Raymond #11 of the Detroit Lions comes out of the tunnel prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 8, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have signed former Detroit Lions wide receiver and return man, Kalif Raymond, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport announced.
“Source: The#Bears are signing former#Lions WR and returner Kalif Raymond, adding an intriguing weapon in Chicago.”
It’s a one-year deal, $5.1 million, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added.
Raymond, 31, has nine years of NFL experience playing with the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and the Lions.
Ben Johnson brings in one of his former players for wide receiver coach Antwaan Randle El, and special teams coordinator Richard Hightower now has a new return specialist. New Swiss Army Knife in Chicago.
Bears Sign Former Lion Kalif Raymond
Raymond knows Johnson’s offensive system, and he’s coming to Chicago to likely be a WR4 and main return man.
Here are some key stats regarding Raymond:
Led NFL in punt return yards (2024)
PFF grade of 70+ each of the last 4 yrs (60 is average)
5’8″ 180 lbs
3 punt return TDs in last 4 yrs
215+ receiving yards in each of the last 5 yrs
Personally, it felt like Chicago was lacking some juice with Devin Duvernay as the return man, but now the Bears should get an upgrade in Raymond.
More on Raymond
Back in 2022, Raymond had this to say about Johnson, who was just promoted as his new offensive coordinator at the time in Detroit.
“It’s a great mind, so excited, already know what he can do, but I’m so excited to work with him and see what he can do more off, because he is a great coach. So, excited man. That’s a great mind right there.”
He said this before playing one snap with Johnson calling the plays. Fast forward to 2026, and he now reunites with him in Chicago.