Several NFL teams lost free agents as soon as the legal tampering period opened earlier this month, and the Detroit Lions weren't an exception. The Lions were caught off guard as veteran wide receiver/return specialist Kalif Raymond signed a one-year deal with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the rival Chicago Bears.
The last thing Detroit wanted to see was Raymond, who became a fan favorite in the Motor City for the last five seasons, staying within the NFC North. The Lions would’ve rather seen the veteran wide receiver go elsewhere. According to Dan Pompei of The Athletic, the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers were interested in Raymond’s services.
Raymond ultimately decided to take his talents to the Windy City and link back up with Johnson and WRs coach/assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El. It's a risky move for Raymond, who established his role with the Lions. But with Chicago not having a solidified WR3 and Raymond knowing what Johnson brings to the table, it could give the veteran receiver’s career a second wind.
Kalif Raymond Might Have Bigger Role in Chicago Than Expected
According to Pompei, Johnson doesn’t believe that Raymond will be a 1,000-yard wide receiver, which no one expects. However, the Bears' head coach thinks that the ex-Lions wideout could have a bigger role in 2026 than he did this past season in Detroit.
“Is he going to be a 1,000-yard receiver?” Johnson said. “No. But I think he’s capable of a bigger role in our offense than what he had a year ago.”
Last season, Raymond played the third-most offensive snaps in his Lions’ career (358), and in turn had 24 receptions (30 targets) for 289 yards and a touchdown. However, Raymond was a WR4, as rookie Isaac TeSlaa handled WR3 duties — a role he'll continue having next season.
Meanwhile, the Bears currently don’t have a front-runner for their WR3 job after Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III occupy the top two spots. Olamide Zaccheaus left in free agency for the Atlanta Falcons, who had 39 receptions (65 targets) for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Jahdae Walker, who had a couple of moments in the regular season, could, in theory, take the WR3 spot, but there’s a world where Raymond, who's familiar with Johnson’s offense, could get it and thrive.
The Allure of a Ben Johnson Reunion
In fact, one reason the veteran wideout left the Lions for the Bears was because of how creative Johnson’s offense is.
“I wanted to play in Ben’s offense," Raymond said. “He’s extraordinarily creative, and honestly, you can be in any spot on the offense, and he will find a way to get you the ball. Just to be under him is a great privilege.”
Last season, the Lions' offense lacked creativity, whether now-fired OC John Morton or HC Dan Campbell was calling the shots. The offense went from averaging 33.2 points (1st) and 409.5 total yards (2nd) per game in 2024 to 28.3 PPG (5th) and 373.2 YPG (5th) in 2025.
While far from the worst performance, it's clear that Detroit missed Johnson, and now it hopes new OC Drew Petzing can get things back on track.
As much as fans wish Raymond the best of luck, it's hard to cheer for him now that he's crossed enemy lines. Perhaps he did what was best for his career, but now it's up to the Lions to show Raymond that he chose the wrong destination when they face the Bears twice next season.