Posted on Mar 10

Bears sign WR Kalif Raymond to one-year deal, reuniting with coach Johnson

Posted Mar 10, 2026

The Chicago Bears have signed wide receiver Kalif Raymond to a one-year contract, reuniting him with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Why it matters: This signing addresses the Bears' need for depth and versatility at the wide receiver position while bringing in a player familiar with Johnson's system.

Raymond has proven his capability not only as a receiver but also as a dynamic return specialist during his time with the Detroit Lions.
His experience and familiarity with Johnson could help accelerate his integration into the Bears’ offense.

What’s new: Kalif Raymond, who spent the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions, is now set to play under Johnson, who was instrumental in his development as a player.

During his tenure with the Lions, Raymond recorded 24 receptions for 289 yards and one touchdown across 15 games.
His contributions extended beyond receiving, highlighted by his record-setting career punt return yards of 1,485, achieved in 2025.

By the numbers: Raymond has consistently demonstrated his value on special teams, leading the NFL in punt return yards in 2024 with 413 yards.

He was named a second-team All-Pro as a punt returner in both 2022 and 2024, underscoring his effectiveness and reliability in this role.
Entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2016, he has played for multiple teams, including the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans, before finding a niche with the Lions.

Yes, but: While Raymond shows promise as a special teams player, his role as a wide receiver may be limited unless he demonstrates significant improvement in that area.

With only 24 receptions over the past season, there are questions about his ability to consistently contribute as a primary target in the passing game.
The Bears will be looking for him to expand his receiving skills while also leveraging his return capabilities.

What to watch: The Bears’ offensive strategy under Johnson may evolve to utilize Raymond’s speed and agility effectively, potentially incorporating more spread concepts that can exploit mismatches.

Given the Bears’ recent focus on enhancing their offensive output, Raymond could play a pivotal role in creating space for other receivers on the roster.
Observers should keep an eye on how he is integrated into the Bears’ schemes during training camp and preseason games.

The bottom line: Signing Kalif Raymond adds depth to the Bears' wide receiver corps while ensuring they benefit from his proven special teams prowess, particularly in the context of Ben Johnson’s offensive vision.

As the Bears look to improve their performance in the upcoming season, Raymond's dual-threat capabilities could be a valuable asset, provided he continues to develop as a reliable target in the passing game.

Bears sign WR Kalif Raymond to one-year deal, reuniting with coach Johnson

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 10, 2026

The Chicago Bears have signed wide receiver Kalif Raymond to a one-year contract, reuniting him with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Why it matters: This signing addresses the Bears' need for depth and versatility at the wide receiver position while bringing in a player familiar with Johnson's system.

Raymond has proven his capability not only as a receiver but also as a dynamic return specialist during his time with the Detroit Lions.

His experience and familiarity with Johnson could help accelerate his integration into the Bears’ offense.

What’s new: Kalif Raymond, who spent the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions, is now set to play under Johnson, who was instrumental in his development as a player.

During his tenure with the Lions, Raymond recorded 24 receptions for 289 yards and one touchdown across 15 games.

His contributions extended beyond receiving, highlighted by his record-setting career punt return yards of 1,485, achieved in 2025.

By the numbers: Raymond has consistently demonstrated his value on special teams, leading the NFL in punt return yards in 2024 with 413 yards.

He was named a second-team All-Pro as a punt returner in both 2022 and 2024, underscoring his effectiveness and reliability in this role.

Entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2016, he has played for multiple teams, including the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans, before finding a niche with the Lions.

Yes, but: While Raymond shows promise as a special teams player, his role as a wide receiver may be limited unless he demonstrates significant improvement in that area.

With only 24 receptions over the past season, there are questions about his ability to consistently contribute as a primary target in the passing game.

The Bears will be looking for him to expand his receiving skills while also leveraging his return capabilities.

Given the Bears’ recent focus on enhancing their offensive output, Raymond could play a pivotal role in creating space for other receivers on the roster.

Observers should keep an eye on how he is integrated into the Bears’ schemes during training camp and preseason games.

As the Bears look to improve their performance in the upcoming season, Raymond's dual-threat capabilities could be a valuable asset, provided he continues to develop as a reliable target in the passing game.