The Chicago Bears kick-started their turnaround last year when they won the Ben Johnson sweepstakes, luring the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator to take over as their new head coach. The impact was felt immediately by both sides. The Lions’ offense lost much of its identity, forced to change playcallers midseason as a result. This contributed to their disappointing 9-8 finish. Chicago became one of the league’s best rushing attacks, had their first top 10 offense since 2013, and won the division at 11-6.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Detroit, which knew it had been on the cusp of a Super Bowl over the past two years with Johnson on the staff. It appears that the connection remains alive as the Bears brought another name over from the Motor City.
Kalif Raymond is a quality addition for the Bears. Not only does he bring an element of vertical speed the team needs, but his value as a punt returner can’t be overstated with All-Pro nods in 2022 and 2024. Yet it might be his leadership and locker-room presence that Detroit will miss the most. Amon-Ra St. Brown made that pretty clear.
The Chicago Bears continue to show a sharpening sense for quality.
This 2026 free agency period is revealing that. Their first big move was safety Coby Bryant. While not the star of that Seattle Seahawks defense, he was a top playmaker and revered as one of its core leaders. Linebacker Devin Bush soon followed, a vocal leader since his days at Michigan and somebody who plays with violence, speed, and intelligence. Raymond is another step in that direction. Not only is he dynamic with the ball in his hands, but he’s also a central presence that others look to for help.
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It isn’t surprising. Raymond had to battle his way up the mountain from Holy Cross into the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He endured some dark years in Denver and New York before turning the corner in Tennessee. This is what led to Detroit having interest, and he quickly carved out a role as their third wide receiver and return specialist. He was a central part of their successful playoff runs in 2023 and 2024. Only the rise of Isaac Tesla made it difficult for the team to keep him.
Their loss is the Bears’ gain.
Chicago already had their top two guys in place with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. However, the exit of D.J. Moore via trade to Buffalo opened a void in the receiver lineup. Jahdae Walker could certainly step up to fill it. Still, they might prefer somebody with more proven experience. Raymond checks that box while also filling the punt returner spot at the same time. Getting that level of stability is well worth the $5 million the Chicago Bears are paying.
This, together with the Braxton Jones and Garrett Bradbury moves, should settle most of the immediate issues on offense. GM Ryan Poles should be able to focus on retooling the defense all the way through the draft. While the money involved won’t show it, the importance of this addition is clear. Raymond gives them much-needed explosive playmaking while also adding more leadership to the locker room. Those are two things an NFL franchise can never have enough of.
