Bears Seek New Return Man After Losing Devin Duvernay

Chicago must find a replacement for their 2025 kick returner who signed with the Cardinals.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:09pm

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The Chicago Bears are in search of a new kick and punt returner after losing Devin Duvernay, who averaged 26.9 yards per kick return and 11.0 yards per punt return last season. The team signed Kalif Raymond, but at 32 years old, he may not be the long-term solution. The Bears have some in-house options like Josh Blackwell, Luther Burden, and Roschon Johnson, but are also likely to target a return specialist in the upcoming draft, with players like Iowa's Kaden Wetjen and LSU's Barion Brown as potential late-round options.

Why it matters

The return game was a key factor in the Bears' success last season, with Duvernay's contributions helping to set up scoring opportunities. Finding a capable replacement is crucial, as the return game can provide a significant boost to field position and scoring potential.

The details

Devin Duvernay signed a $2.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, leaving the Bears to search for a new return specialist. The team signed Kalif Raymond to a $5.1 million deal, but at 32 years old, his production as a returner has declined in recent seasons. The Bears have some in-house options, including Josh Blackwell, Luther Burden, and Roschon Johnson, but they may also target a return specialist in the draft, with players like Iowa's Kaden Wetjen and LSU's Barion Brown as potential late-round picks.

  • Devin Duvernay signed with the Cardinals on March 15, 2026.
  • The Bears signed Kalif Raymond to a one-year, $5.1 million contract on March 16, 2026.

The players

Devin Duvernay

The Bears' 2025 kick returner who averaged 26.9 yards per kick return and 11.0 yards per punt return before signing with the Arizona Cardinals.

Kalif Raymond

A 32-year-old wide receiver and return specialist signed by the Bears to a one-year, $5.1 million contract.

Josh Blackwell

A Bears player known more for blocking kicks and recovering onside kicks than returns, but who averaged 25.3 yards on 18 kick returns last season.

Luther Burden

A Bears wide receiver and kick returner who averaged 27.2 yards on eight kick returns last season.

Roschon Johnson

A Bears running back with kick return experience, but primarily as a blocking back rather than the main return man.

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What they’re saying

“I'm expected to do whatever they ask me to. That's kind of my role for the last few years. The good thing about the last couple of years, I've been able to kind of round out my game, do a lot of work behind the scenes, to prepare for a really good opportunity. I've always molded myself to wherever the team needs me. That's kind of how I've been here for so long. But, I'm prepared to do that, and I've been able to do that last few years. Whatever they need me to do, I'll be ready to do.”

— Kalif Raymond (Instagram)

What’s next

The Bears will likely evaluate their in-house options and monitor the draft for potential return specialists they can target in the later rounds.

The takeaway

Replacing a productive return man like Devin Duvernay is a critical offseason task for the Bears, as the return game can provide a significant boost to field position and scoring potential. The team has some internal options, but may also look to the draft to find a long-term solution at kick and punt returner.