Bears To Sign WR Kalif Raymond

This deal will reunite Raymond with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was on the Lions’ staff during the wideout’s first four years in the Motor City. Johnson worked as the Lions’ offensive coordinator from 2022-24.

Raymond recorded a career-high 616 receiving yards in Johnson’s first season calling plays. He also accrued his second-most catches (47) that year, though his impact in Detroit’s offense diminished after that. Raymond amassed 35 catches for 489 yards and a touchdown in 2023, his second straight 17-game campaign. He dipped to 17-215-2 over 12 contests in Johnson’s last season with the Lions.

With Johnson moving to Chicago for a promotion in 2025, Raymond experienced a mild uptick in production under the play-calling duo of now-former O-coordinator John Morton and head coach Dan Campbell. In 15 games, Raymond secured 24 of 30 targets for 289 yards and a score.

As a receiver, Raymond wrapped up his five-year Detroit tenure with 171 catches, 2,185 yards (12.8 YPC) and eight TDs. He also made an impact as a return man, twice earning second-team All-Pro honors. He took back three punts for touchdowns as a Lion and led the league in return yards in 2024.

Also a former Bronco, Jet, Giant and Titan, the 31-year-old Raymond will again serve as an auxiliary receiver with his new team. Having traded D.J. Moore to the Bills, the Bears will go forward with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden atop their depth chart. Chicago lost Olamide Zaccheaus to Atlanta on Monday, which created an opening for Raymond.