The Chicago Bears keep adding familiar faces.
This time, head coach Ben Johnson is bringing one of his former Lions playmakers with him.

Bears Sign Former Lions Returner Kalif Raymond

The Chicago Bears have agreed to a free-agent deal with wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond, reuniting him with former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now Chicago’s head coach.

Raymond spent the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions, where he became one of the league’s most reliable punt returners and a steady role player on offense.

His departure leaves Detroit searching for a new returner heading into the 2026 season.

A Key Special Teams Weapon

Raymond built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most dangerous punt returners during his time in Detroit.

Highlights of his Lions career include:

Second-team All-Pro punt returner in 2022 and 2024
1,485 punt-return yards with Detroit
11.3 yards per return average
Three punt-return touchdowns since 2021

Last season, Raymond also broke franchise legend Mel Gray’s record for career punt-return yardage with the Lions.

Detroit special teams coordinator Dave Fipp praised Raymond’s impact late last season.

“Five years together and he’s been incredible,” Fipp said. “Thank goodness we got him.”

Offensive Contributions

While best known for special teams, Raymond also provided value as a receiver.

During his Lions tenure he totaled:

171 receptions
2,185 receiving yards

He remained a dependable depth option in Detroit’s passing attack while playing a crucial role on special teams.

Why the Bears Wanted Him

For Chicago, the signing brings experience and familiarity.

Raymond previously worked under Ben Johnson during Johnson’s time as the Lions’ offensive coordinator.

That connection likely played a major role in the move.

The Bears gain:

A proven punt returner
A veteran receiver who knows Johnson’s system
Another versatile weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams

Detroit Turns to Younger Options

Raymond’s departure opens opportunities for Detroit’s younger receivers.

The Lions still return their top three wideouts:

Amon-Ra St. Brown
Jameson Williams
Isaac TeSlaa

TeSlaa, in particular, could see a larger role after scoring six touchdowns on just 16 receptions in 2025.

Detroit also has several young receivers on the roster competing for playing time.

Another Free Agency Departure for Detroit

Raymond is the fifth Lions player to leave in free agency this week, joining:

Alex Anzalone
Roy Lopez
Amik Robertson
Kyle Allen

Despite the departures, Detroit’s core offensive weapons remain intact.

For the Bears, however, Raymond represents another piece added as Ben Johnson begins shaping Chicago’s roster in his image.