The Detroit Lions' 2025 season hasn't gone as planned, and they are looking ahead to the 2026 offseason. Several people around the organization will be given another chance to bounce back, but not everyone will get that luxury.
Head coach Dan Campbell foreshadowed that some things would be altered in the coming months. "What we do know is, one way or another, change is inevitable. It might not be much, but there will be something to change," Campbell said, via Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.
Of course, moves need to be made after the Lions weren't able to make the postseason, and receiver Kalif Raymond is someone who should be on red alert entering the offseason.
Kalif Raymond Should Be on High Alert Entering Offseason
Raymond is in the last season of a two-year, $10.5 million deal and will hit free agency in March. The veteran has spent the past five seasons in Detroit developing into a quality player for the franchise, especially in the return game. Between 2021 and 2024, he averaged at least 11.0 punt return yards, yet that number took a dip this year.
Raymond is averaging a career-low 7.2 punt return yards in 2025. In addition to being underwhelming in that area, the Holy Cross product hasn't provided much as a receiver. He ranks fifth on the team in receiving yards (237) on 21 catches and one touchdown. Considering Raymond has logged 344 offensive snaps and opened the season as the WR3 for this team, he didn't provide any spark to the passing game and was ultimately replaced.
Isaac TeSlaa has taken over as the third receiver on this team and has shown flashes in his rookie season, scoring six touchdowns. Since Raymond isn't making plays as a returner or receiver, you can easily see why the Lions will let him walk in free agency.
With Campbell making it clear they plan to make some tweaks to this roster, Raymond is someone who should be looking over his shoulder. His production has taken a serious downturn, and with the specialist turning 32 in August, there's a good chance his best days are behind him.
The Lions will need to use every spot on this team to improve the roster for the 2026 season. There's no wiggle room in the NFC North, as both the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears made the postseason this season.
Detroit must be able to keep up with these teams, along with the Minnesota Vikings, in the division. As such, the Lions' decision-makers will take a deep dive look at the roster after the season concludes, and Raymond could be on the chopping block.