The Detroit Lions had one of the better punt returners in the NFL last season. But with training camp on the horizon, there’s a sense that change could be coming.
Kalif Raymond led the NFL in total punt return yards in 2024, racking up 413. He even took a 90-yard punt return to the house against the Tennessee Titans. His 13.8 yards per return average ranked third among players with at least 10 returns. This earned him a second-team All-Pro honor.
But the NFL doesn’t slow down for anyone, and Raymond’s time with the Lions could be winding down.
Kalif Raymond Could Be on the Way Out Soon for Lions
Outside of his explosive return ability, his impact is limited. He doesn't contribute on other special teams units, and his role in the offense has shrunk. Last season, he logged just 240 offensive snaps and recorded 17 catches for 215 yards. Not terrible, but hardly enough to justify his price tag when his return duties could soon be handed off.
The Lions may have already drafted his eventual replacement. They traded up in the third round to select Isaac TeSlaa out of Arkansas—a move that raised eyebrows given TeSlaa's limited production in college.
His receiving production in college wasn’t eye-popping—just 62 catches for 896 yards and five touchdowns over two seasons—but the Lions are playing the long game here. They’re betting on upside and projecting him as someone who can eventually fill multiple roles.
Despite not returning punts or kicks in college, Detroit also believes they can unlock his potential in that area, thanks to his elite athletic profile.
TeSlaa ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, posted a 39.5-inch vertical, and clocked a 4.05-second short shuttle. He’s built like a modern NFL athlete and could be molded into a multi-use player, something Raymond has never quite become.
To be clear, Raymond isn't going anywhere in 2025. He restructured his contract earlier in the offseason and has more guarantees for 2025 worked in while removing his void year for 2026.
His $6.95 million cap hit isn’t something Detroit can easily move off of, and TeSlaa will need at least a season to get up to speed. But Raymond will now be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and he’ll be 32 by the time the 2026 campaign kicks off.
That’s not an ideal profile for a specialist, especially one who’s just 5-foot-8 and contributes in only one phase of the game.
The Lions were proactive with the TeSlaa pick, planning a year or two ahead. It won’t happen overnight—but Raymond’s days in Detroit are clearly numbered.