Bears Sign Former Lions WR and Returner to Free Agent Contract

Kalif Raymond joins Chicago for his 10th NFL season after a down year in Detroit.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have signed former Detroit Lions wide receiver and returner Kalif Raymond to a free agent contract. Raymond, a 31-year-old undrafted free agent, has carved out an impressive NFL career over the past nine seasons, including five with the Lions. He will now reunite with former Lions coaches Ben Johnson and Antwan Randel El in Chicago, providing depth at wide receiver and a boost to the Bears' punt return game.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to bolster their receiving corps after trading away DJ Moore, and Raymond's experience as both a receiver and returner makes him an intriguing addition. His familiarity with the coaching staff could also help him integrate quickly into the Bears' offense.

The details

In 2025, Raymond had 289 receiving yards and one touchdown on 24 catches for the Lions, along with 241 punt-return yards and a touchdown. Over his nine-year career, he has three punt-return touchdowns and two second-team All-Pro nods. Raymond will now join the Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams for his 10th NFL season.

  • Raymond spent the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions.
  • The Bears signed Raymond as a free agent on March 10, 2026.

The players

Kalif Raymond

A 31-year-old wide receiver and returner who has spent the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions.

Ben Johnson

The Bears' offensive coordinator, who previously worked with Raymond on the Lions' coaching staff.

Antwan Randel El

The Bears' wide receivers coach, who also previously worked with Raymond on the Lions' coaching staff.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' starting quarterback.

DJ Moore

The wide receiver traded by the Bears to the Buffalo Bills earlier in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Source: The Bears are signing former Lions WR and returner Kalif Raymond, adding an intriguing weapon in Chicago.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Bears will look to integrate Raymond into their offense and special teams units as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The signing of Kalif Raymond provides the Bears with a versatile veteran who can contribute as both a wide receiver and returner, helping to fill the void left by the departure of DJ Moore. Raymond's familiarity with the coaching staff should ease his transition to the Bears and make him a valuable addition to the team.