This story has been updated to reflect the contract details between Kalif Raymond and the Chicago Bears.
Kalif Raymond, the Detroit Lions' former WR3 and a reliable set of hands for Jared Goff and his passing game, has left for a new opportunity in Chicago. The Bears, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, have agreed to terms with Raymond. The deal is for one-year at $5.1 million, per NFL Network insider Mike Garofolo.
This is an inevitability that the Lions had prepared for just one year ago, when they traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Isaac TeSlaa. TeSlaa, in very limited snaps, showed a ton of promise as a big receiver capable of highlight reel-worthy catches. Raymond had also pieced together another solid 2025 campaign, though, so you hope that TeSlaa is able to replace him in this offense.
Raymond is likely set to be utilized by his former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, in a similar role to what he had with the Lions the last few years: a short-yardage receiver and blocker, and someone who can be electric as a kick returner. It just does suck that Lions fans have to face Raymond, and Johnson, twice a year.
Kalif Raymond walks for new deal with Bears, Ben Johnson
Raymond wrapped up his 2025 season with 289 receiving yards on 24 receptions, in addition to one touchdown. As a returner, he had 241 yards on 32 attempts, and on kickoffs, he had 161 yards on six attempts. He's a reliable option for the Bears as they look to add back to their receiving corp after trading D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills.
Raymond's been with the Lions since 2021, aka the dark days. It's nice to see him be able to put together a great few years with Detroit, and get rewarded for it, regardless of the final destination.
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Raymond's also coming off a really solid close to the year, with him being named the most improved wide receiver in the second half of the 2025 season by Thomas Valentine over at PFF:
"From Week 10 onward, Raymond compiled an 82.0 PFF grade — 14th among wide receivers — and caught all 15 targets for 225 yards and a touchdown. Raymond’s 2.34 yards per route run ranked 14th, and his 8.9 yards after the catch per reception were fourth."
TeSlaa now, likely, slots in at WR3 for the Lions as they look to save some money wherever possible. This was a pretty low radar need for them, and one they've already taken care of by investing in TeSlaa. Detroit is down a punt returner, though, and that's a pretty decent need.