A familiar face is leaving Detroit—and joining a division rival.
After five seasons with the Lions, Kalif Raymond is headed to Chicago, reuniting with the coach who helped shape his most productive years.

Kalif Raymond Leaves Lions for Bears, Reunites With Former Coordinator Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears continue reshaping their roster for the 2026 season, and one of their latest moves comes at the expense of a division rival.

Veteran wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond has agreed to a free-agent deal with the Chicago Bears, leaving the Detroit Lions after five productive seasons with the team.

The move reunites Raymond with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who previously served as Detroit’s offensive coordinator and helped maximize Raymond’s role in the Lions offense.

For Chicago, the signing brings versatility and special-teams firepower. For Detroit, it leaves a major void in the return game.

A Key Piece of the Lions’ Special Teams

Raymond became one of Detroit’s most reliable and dynamic special teams players during his time with the franchise.

He joined the Lions in 2021, one of the first free-agent signings made by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes as they began rebuilding the team.

Over the next five seasons, Raymond established himself as one of the NFL’s top punt returners.

His career highlights with Detroit include:

Second-team All-Pro punt returner in 2022 and 2024
Franchise record holder for career punt-return yardage
Three punt-return touchdowns since 2021

Raymond finished his Lions career with 1,485 punt-return yards, averaging 11.3 yards per return.

One of his biggest plays came last season when he returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.

Detroit special teams coordinator Dave Fipp previously praised Raymond’s impact on the team.

“Five years together and he’s been incredible,” Fipp said late last season. “The pro scouts came down to my office and said, ‘What do you think about this guy?’ I said, ‘I’d take him in a heartbeat.’ He’s obviously done an incredible job.”

Offensive Production Also Part of His Game

While Raymond was best known for his special teams contributions, he also played a role in Detroit’s passing attack.

During his Lions career, he recorded:

171 receptions
2,185 receiving yards

His speed and ability to line up both outside and in the slot made him a useful rotational receiver.

But with Detroit’s receiving corps growing deeper, Raymond’s role on offense gradually became smaller.

Bears Add Experience to Receiving Room

Chicago views Raymond as a valuable addition to its offense and special teams unit.

His familiarity with Ben Johnson’s offensive system should allow him to integrate quickly into the Bears’ scheme.

The Bears’ receiving group already includes several young playmakers, such as:

Rome Odunze
Luther Burden III
Colston Loveland
Cole Kmet

Raymond’s experience could help provide leadership and flexibility within the group, while also strengthening the return game.

Lions Turn to Younger Options

Detroit now faces the challenge of replacing its long-time return specialist.

Fortunately for the Lions, their receiver room remains strong with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa leading the group.

TeSlaa, in particular, could see an expanded role in 2026 after showing flashes last season with 16 receptions, 239 yards, and six touchdowns.

Head coach Dan Campbell recently expressed confidence in the young receiver’s development.

Another Free Agency Departure for Detroit

Raymond’s exit continues a trend for Detroit this offseason.

He is now the fifth Lions player to leave in free agency, joining:

Linebacker Alex Anzalone
Defensive tackle Roy Lopez
Cornerback Amik Robertson
Quarterback Kyle Allen

While losing Raymond stings for Lions fans, the move represents a fresh opportunity for both the player and the Bears.

And for Raymond, the chance to reunite with a coach who knows his skill set could be the perfect next chapter in his career.