One of the more interesting decisions facing the Detroit Lions in the 2026 offseason is whether to re-sign veteran Kalif Raymond. It is easy to argue that it isn't in Detroit's best interest to attempt to retain what has been an increasingly underwhelming piece in both the return game and as a depth receiver. According to Spotrac, Raymond is expected to garner a deal worth $3.4 million, a tempting figure that fans should hope Detroit avoids.
Raymond's role offensively has become increasingly overrated, while explosive returns are a rarity. To put it simply, it is impossible to believe that losing Raymond does anything other than force the Lions to get better. Even looking at the current roster, taking away the veteran would allow Isaac TeSlaa to continue to grow in his role offensively.
Looking at the return game, it should be restricted free agent Tom Kennedy who is re-signed and allowed to take over. In his limited return chances in the 2025 season, Kennedy showed juice and was a clear upgrade over Raymond. It makes sense to sign the cheaper depth while upgrading the return game and offering a solid depth piece at the bottom of the receiver depth chart.
Lions Fans Should be Relieved to Part Ways with Kalif Raymond After 2025 Regression
Furthering this fit is the fact that Kennedy would be excited to hold a consistent special teams role and wouldn't push for a larger offensive role. This allows TeSlaa to continue to ascend into a larger role and makes the Detroit offense far more complete. While Raymond has had productive seasons in years past, it has grown clear that the offense is moving in a new direction, and a re-signing would be a mistake.
Raymond had 289 receiving yards and a lone touchdown two years after offering 489 receiving yards. In the 2022 season, Raymond was even more important, providing the Detroit offense with an incredibly productive season by offering 616 receiving yards and serving as a consistent offensive contributor. This isn't who the veteran is now, and hopefully, it leads another team to overpay the receiver and take Raymond out of consideration.
There is no question that the pairing has run its course, with the Lions having better options both on its current roster and in free agency. For Raymond, it makes sense to move on to a team that will allow the veteran to serve a bigger role offensively.
The receiver won't be given the reps he could earn elsewhere if he returns to Detroit. A rebuilding team or one with less depth would gladly take on the veteran and hand him a more consistent offensive role. This should signal a hopeful exit with Raymond leaving being in the best interest of both the receiver and Detroit.