2. Kalif Raymond, Wide Receiver
There are a handful of players who have played crucial roles at times for the Lions over the last handful of years that might not get as much credit as they deserve, and Kalif Raymond is one of them.
Raymond was a journeyman for a bit before ultimately landing with the Detroit Lions and he proved his worth quickly as a return specialist and occasional gadget player offensively. There's no doubt that Ben Johnson and the Bears would likely have interest in Raymond if the Lions were to let him go, but would they really do that?
Well, with a decreasing role offensively (211 snaps offensively last season, lowest in his Detroit tenure), it's possible the Lions won't be able to justify a salary cap hit north of $6 million this coming season. With no guaranteed salary, the Lions could save over $3.2 million on the salary cap and allow Raymond to go and find another team rather quickly.
It's just tough to justify having a guy at that price who isn't pulling more weight on offense. Paying over $6 million for a return man is a tough pill to swallow.
The savings approaches nearly $5 million if the Lions make Raymond a post-June 1 cut designation.
This would be a tough pill to swallow considering how well-liked Raymond is within the Lions organization right now but it's something to consider if the Lions' new offensive coaching brain trust feels like Raymond is going to continue phasing out of the gameplan there.