Detroit Lions: 4 potential surprise cuts before the 2022 season

1. WR Kalif Raymond

Raymond got an opportunity with the Lions last year, and he made the most he could out of it (48 catches for 576 yards; 11.2 yards per punt return). As easily expected, he was re-signed this offseason.

Raymond’s role in Detroit’s offense is in line to naturally reduce this year, based on the additions of DJ Chark in free agency, Jameson Williams in the draft and Josh Reynolds being re-signed and around for a full season after being picked up midseason last year.

Which isn’t to say Raymond’s role on the team won’t have value, as a punt returner, possible kickoff returner and valuable depth if Williams is slower to recover from a torn ACL or other injuries hit the receiving corps.

But an interesting element has been added to the equation.

Undrafted rookie Kalil Pimpleton apparently was impressive during rookie minicamp, and his role over his final couple seasons at Central Michigan was notably multi-faceted. From a broad view he is set to push Raymond for a similar role as a return man/depth receiver/potential gadget player on offense, which would likely be confined to one 53-man roster spot.

Raymond signed a two-year deal to come back to the Lions, but it’s not particularly expensive as a whole or to get out of. Cutting him right now, or eventually before the season starts, would leave behind less than $2.9 million in dead money this year with no cap savings.

Raymond is used to competing for looks, as he never got a great chance to play before last year. So that part won’t be an issue for him. But Pimpleton may simply prove himself to be the better player over the coming months, and we know (or think we know) what that would mean for Raymond.