They lost a game-changerā¦ and now theyāre scrambling.
The Bearsā return game just became one of the biggest question marks in the NFL.
šØ A Hidden Crisis in Chicagoās Special Teams
The Chicago Bears didnāt just lose a player in free agency.
They lost a weapon.
Devin Duvernay ā one of the teamās most reliable and explosive return men ā is gone, signing with the Arizona Cardinals. And suddenly, a position that once flipped gamesā¦ is wide open.
š„ The Impact of Losing Devin Duvernay
This isnāt a minor departure.
Duvernay was a difference-maker.
In 2025, he delivered:
- 26.9 yards per kick return (top 10 in the league)
- 11.0 yards per punt return (best for the Bears in years)
He didnāt just gain yards.
He changed field position. He created momentum. He helped win games.
And now?
That production is gone.
ā” Kalif Raymond: The Expected Replacement ā But Is He Enough?
The Bears moved quickly, signing veteran Kalif Raymond to a $5.1 million deal.
On paper, it looks like a solution.
But dig deeperā¦ and questions emerge.
At 32, Raymond isnāt the same explosive returner he once was. His punt return average dropped sharply last season, and he hasnāt been a consistent kick returner in years.
He brings versatility.
But does he bring impact?
Thatās far less certain.
š¤Æ The Age Problem No One Can Ignore
Hereās a reality that canāt be overlooked:
Kick returners are getting younger.
Among players with significant return attempts last season, the average age was just 25. Only one was over 30.
Raymond?
Heās two years older than that outlier.
And in todayās NFL, where return rules emphasize speed and explosiveness, that matters more than ever.
š§ Internal Options ā But All Come With Risk
The Bears do have alternatives.
But none are perfect.
- Josh Blackwell: Solid contributor, but more known for special teams hustle than elite returns
- Luther Burden & Rome Odunze: Talentedā¦ but far too valuable on offense to risk injury
- Roschon Johnson & Kyle Monangai: Limited upside as primary return threats
- Maurice Alexander: Fringe roster option with limited experience
Each option solves one problemā¦
And creates another.
š„ The Draft: The Most Likely Solution
If Chicago wants a real answer, the NFL Draft may be their best path.
Several prospects could fill the void:
- Kaden Wetjen (Iowa): Elite production, explosive averages, proven return specialist
- Barion Brown (LSU): One of the fastest returners in the class
- Caullin Lacy (Louisville): Underrated option with big-play ability
These players may not be stars yet ā but they bring what the Bears are missing:
Speed. Youth. Game-breaking potential.
š® A Position That Could Define the Season
Special teams donāt always get the spotlight.
But they decide games.
Last year, the Bears saw firsthand how a great returner can shift momentum in seconds.
Now, without Duvernay, they face a critical decision:
Patch the positionā¦
Or rebuild it properly.
š More Than a Replacement ā A Test of Strategy
This isnāt just about finding a returner.
Itās about philosophy.
Do the Bears trust a veteran like Raymond?
Do they risk their offensive stars?
Or do they invest in the future through the draft?
Whatever they chooseā¦
It will reveal how serious they are about fixing the small details that win big games.
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