The Detroit Lions are trying to figure out how to recoup the wide receiver production that was lost when Josh Reynolds signed with the Denver Broncos. There are internal solutions.
While it is widely expected Jameson Williams will have the opportunity for a breakout season, the Lions might have to look outside their roster for some depth to put them over the top. That might not be necessary as Jared Goff sees a player Lions already have as an option to step into a void.
"I was talking about Kalif (Raymond) earlier in the week and how one of you guys needs to write a story on him, because you ask any teammate around here, we all probably say the same thing, He's as hard a worker (as) I've been around. He does all the dirty work. He does everything right. You see in the weight room he does everything right, in the meeting room he does everything right. You see him run and finish drills, he does everything right. As a rookie, if you come in here and you want to watch what to do, there's plenty of guys to watch. Do what Kalif does. You'll be just fine."
Trust is a key element for any quarterback- wide receiver connection, and Goff leans into that with Raymond.
"It's been invaluable (to have him). I can trust him any time he's in there at receiver at any spot and I know he's an electric returner, but he's done a great job at everything and I'm appreciative to have him on our team."
Kalif Raymond capable of carrying bigger load for Detroit Lions' offense
In terms of what Raymond can do, Goff's assessment is spot-on. His overall snap share dropped a lot last year, but the departure of Reynolds offers the possibility of renewed opportunity for Raymond.
After he topped 45 catches and 575 yards in both 2021 and 2022, Raymond's sheer production dropped last year too (35 catches for 489 yards). But he did average 14 yards a catch with a career-best 6.1 yards after the catch (YAC) per reception.
With what he already knows about him, Goff is ready for Raymond's re-emergence as a producer in the Lions' offense this year.