After significantly revamping the roster this offseason following the disappointing 2025 campaign, the Detroit Lions kick off their first round of organized team activities on Wednesday. This will give the coaching staff and the fans a chance to take a first look at the newcomers. Certain players will emerge, the depth charts will be flipped, and the position battles will clarify.
While most fans understandably focus on the trenches and skill positions, there is an under-the-radar battle on special teams. The Lions made a big personnel change on their special teams by moving off of Kalif Raymond this spring. Who will emerge as the team's primary return man will be a fascinating storyline.
Raymond had been returning kickoffs and punts for the Lions for the last five years, and he was one of the best in the league. He led the league in punt returns last season. The year before that, he led the league in punt return yards. He has scored three punt return touchdowns over the last four seasons. Now, he is with the Chicago Bears.
Who will actually replace Kalif Raymond?
The Lions made an effort to replace him this offseason, but who will actually emerge as the most reliable return man on the team remains to be seen.
Greg Dortch was signed in free agency. The 27-year-old not only returned punts and kicks for the Arizona Cardinals for several years, but he is also familiar with the new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing. This should give him an advantage ahead of the season to land the role.
However, Dortch is not alone. Multiple talented specialists are vying for the top spot in the rotation. Dortch ranked above the league average in yards per return in both punts and kicks and received a higher return grade than Kalif Raymond and Jacob Saylors last season on Pro Football Focus, but he is facing stiff competition.
Saylors is back on the roster and, after a strong 2025 campaign, should have a chance to earn more opportunities. He has a chance to earn a roster spot over Sione Vaki if he can impress during OTAs.
As always, Tom Kennedy will remain an alternative in the return game. He will most likely continue to be on the practice squad, but one can expect him to get his chances.
The dark horse in this competition will be rookie Kendrick Law. The Lions unexpectedly traded up to select him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They clearly see a lot in him, and one of those potential skills is his return ability. He averaged 22.9 yards per return during his time in Alabama and Kentucky and has demonstrated intriguing athleticism in the open field.
The way the Lions front office talked about Law after the draft suggests that the rookie shouldn't be counted out in the pecking order.
This sets us up for a fun training camp battle. The OTAs should begin to give us a good idea about who the frontrunner is in this competition.
Add us as a preferred source on Google