One of the biggest stories of the Detroit Lions' 2025 season has been the offense's inconsistent production. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs have been predictably elite; however, the rest of the Detroit offense keeps fans guessing as to what level of production to expect. That includes kick returner and receiver Kalif Raymond, who is in an increasingly shrinking role and dealing with an uncertain future in the Motor City.
Raymond is slated to hit free agency and unquestionably will be given opportunities to play a larger role elsewhere. He's a 10-year veteran with 2,415 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 181 catches and has made a pair of All-Pro second-teams in two of the previous three seasons, giving him a resume that could entice plenty of suitors.
So, why would he want to leave Detroit?
Kalif Raymond Might Not Want to Run Things Back Next Season
It's safe to say that Raymond's role in the offense is far from concrete. Although he's averaged three targets per game throughout his five-year Lions run, he's only seeing an average of 1.7 passes thrown his way this season, culminating in a career-worst 10.0 yards per catch, as well as his fewest yards per game (13.6) since he moved to Detroit.
Even on special teams, Raymond's role is shrinking, going from 2.5 kick returns per game last year to 1.8 this time around. Maybe that's due to opponents purposely avoiding him, but it's also hard to ignore when Jacob Saylors paces the team with 26 kick returns.
Adding to this is the fact that popular rookie pass catcher Isaac TeSlaa should continue to work his way into a larger role within the Detroit offense. Already, Raymond was fighting an uphill battle to get targets around St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Add in all the touches Gibbs is going to get, and Sam LaPorta returning next season, and it simply isn't a viable opportunity for Raymond to contribute.
With that said, it is important to note that there are still five incredibly important games ahead and that things could change for the Lions. If Raymond were to finish the season hot, the receiver could change his outlook about a future wth the franchise. However, if things stay as they are currently, there is zero reason for the veteran to consider a reunion.
Looking around the league and considering Raymond's talent level, there is every reason to believe he can find a landing spot as the third or fourth option at the position. This would allow the pass catcher to return to the 500-600 yard seasons he has proven himself capable of producing.
All of this explains why the pass catcher likely isn't going to consider a reunion if there are other options on the table. Returning kicks is a skillset that can be used anywhere, finding a chance to play a contributing role offensively is going to be a bit more elusive, and why Raymond is going to likely leave Detroit.
For the Lions, it is understandable that parting ways is increasingly possible as the team looks to develop TeSlaa and focus its attention on a talented group of playmakers. Detroit is simply far too talented at the position to give the once important receiver the same number of chances. Making the reasons clear as to why Raymond is unlikely to want to return for the 2026 season.