The Detroit Lions have had a quiet start to the open negotiating period before the official start of NFL free agency. Most notably, the Lions have lost key defenders LB Alex Anzalone and CB Amik Robertson, both of whom agreed to deals with different teams on Monday.
The Lions could look to upgrade their group of playmakers this offseason after trading away RB David Montgomery to the Texans and losing a valuable pass-catcher to the open market.
WR Kalif Raymond agreed to a one-year, $5.1 million deal with the rival Chicago Bears, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, reuniting with former Lions offensive coordinator and current Bears head coach Ben Johnson. He will be utilized heavily as a speedster on offense and a dynamic returner on special teams.
He also reunites with former Lions WR coach Antwaan Randle El, who now holds the same position with the Bears.
Raymond was a key piece of the Detroit offense since joining the team in 2021. He finished his tenure as a Lion with 171 catches for 2,185 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over five seasons.
Lions’ star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t take the news of Raymond’s deal with the division rival lightly. He posted a heartfelt goodbye to his former teammate on X shortly after the news broke.
“Greatest teammate I’ve ever had. Lockermate since rookie year. Love you brother,” St. Brown posted on X.
St. Brown was drafted in 2021, the same year Raymond joined the Lions. The duo built a tight bond in the locker room that will be missing from the team next season.
The fourth-round pick quickly developed into a perennial Pro Bowler and All-Pro talent for the Lions thanks to the leadership and guidance from Raymond.
Raymond will likely be missed most on special teams. He earned All-Pro second-team honors as a punt returner in 2022 and 2024 and scored three punt-return touchdowns with the Lions. In 2024, he led the NFL with 413 punt return yards.