The Detroit Lions are stacked on offense. Jared Goff is among the top quarterbacks in the
league. Jahmyr Gibbs could be poised for a 2,000-yard, 20-touchdown season. David
Montgomery is a strong second running back, forming perhaps the NFL’s best backfield. Amon-
Ra St. Brown is an All-Pro wide receiver, and Jameson Williams is looking to repeat last year’s 1,000-yard receiving milestone, or even surpass it by a significant margin. One other starter is in serious jeopardy of being traded if a rookie looks good in training camp.
Kalif Raymond started two games at wide receiver last season and was the Lions’ featured punt returner. His receiving numbers were modest over 12 games played (17 catches, 215 yards, two touchdowns), but his punt return production was top 10 in the league. Raymond led all returners in yardage (413 yards) on the third-most returns (30). His punt return average was eighth (13.8). He even scored one touchdown. Raymond would be safe if not for the investment made in acquiring Isaac TeSlaa and the money the Lions could save by cutting or trading him.
Raymond’s cap hit is $6.95 this season, according to Christian Booher, of SI.com, but he is only
guaranteed $1.83 million. If the Lions trade or cut him, they would save $5.12 million, money
that could be invested in the offensive line now that center Frank Ragnow has retired.
Add to that the draft capital the Lions invested in Isaac TeSlaa, and you can see a scenario where Raymond becomes tempting to let go in a trade. To move up from pick 102 to 70, in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Lions sent two 2026 third-round picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watching TeSlaa’s performance in training camp becomes must-watch TV. If he handles punt returns in practice, in addition to working with the offense, look out. Raymond could soon be on the trading block.
It is reasonable to expect the Lions can recoup a 2026 third round pick from a team with a need at punt returner, or flip Raymond for a offensive lineman to add depth at center or guard.
Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes has proven to be effective, resourceful, creative and aggressive. If an opportunity is out there, he will uncover it and move quickly to make the Lions roster stronger and deeper for what should be another season with Super Bowl aspirations.