The Detroit Lions just keep losing players, but it's not as dire as it sounds. They've lost a ton of depth pieces that were relied upon heavily last year, and two bonafide starters on defense in Al-Quadin Muhammad and Alex Anzalone.
On offense, one of their more surprising losses was Kalif Raymond. The Lions' ever-reliable WR3 and returner left for a new opportunity under Ben Johnson and with the Chicago Bears.
He now gets to exact revenge against Detroit's special teams and defensive backs twice a year, but it doesn't even feel all that nefarious. He was seen as a great teammate and locker room presence, so he'll surely be greeted with more love than anything else.
With his departure, the Lions were immediately left with a hole on special teams. After Grant Stuard left to sign with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency, that hole's gotten even bigger (although, he was a far better ace as a defender against the return, rather than as a returner).
One answer for Detroit here would be Tom Kennedy, the long time Lions receiver who just can't seem to lose his roster spot. And now, it looks like the door's opened wide open for him to finally land a consistent role with the team as a potential returner in 2026.
Tom Kennedy could be Lions' answer to losing Kalif Raymond in free agency
Kennedy has been with the Lions since 2021, with 29 total games played as a punt returner. Over that stretch, he's had four attempts and picked up just 59 yards. But, he's a lot more utilized as a kickoff returner, picking up 26 attempts and netting 703 yards over that time.
He showed major flashes last season as a great option on special teams on that front, and it feels like Detroit's going to have to incorporate him a lot more as their punt returner with Raymond gone.
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In a specific game against the Dallas Cowboys this past season, Kennedy looked excellent in relief of an injured Raymond. Not only did he keep up his work as a great blocker, but on kickoff and punt returns, he picked up at three 35+ yards and 20+ yards, respectively. He was the first to do so since Josh Cribbs did it in 2007, per Lions PR, and he was even given the game ball.
This might've been one of those cheap, but effective, Brad Holmes moves we've been talking about all week. Kennedy was re-signed this week after he and linebacker Trevor Nowaske were waived and brought back on cheaper deals, although the details of those new contracts are unknown.
While losing Raymond stinks for the fanbase, Kennedy has shown the ability to shine on special teams in his place.