As the Detroit Lions approach the end of the regular season, the team remains firmly in the playoff conversation. Sitting at 8–5, Detroit still has a realistic shot at postseason football, with league projections giving them roughly a 52% chance to qualify. Regardless of how the season ultimately plays out, difficult roster decisions will be unavoidable once the year concludes.
Roster turnover is a fact of life in the NFL. Even productive and respected players can find themselves on the outside looking in due to circumstances that go beyond performance. The league’s salary cap forces teams to carefully balance spending across an entire roster, and even solid contributors can become financial liabilities. Durability concerns, changing roles, and evolving team priorities also factor heavily into these decisions. In some cases, players themselves seek new opportunities or larger roles that their current team cannot provide.
With those realities in mind, Detroit may soon be preparing to move on from a familiar veteran.
Wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond recently missed two games because of an ankle injury, but he has returned to practice in a limited capacity ahead of the Lions’ Sunday matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and former Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. According to Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, as reported by team writer Tim Twentyman, Tom Kennedy is expected to continue handling kickoff returns, while Raymond would resume punt return duties if healthy enough to play.
Despite that vote of confidence, speculation about Raymond’s future in Detroit has grown. In an article published Thursday by Detroit Jock City’s Chris Schad, the argument is made that Raymond’s role with the Lions may be nearing its conclusion. Schad suggested that while Raymond remains involved for now, his long-term place on the roster appears uncertain as the organization looks ahead to offseason planning.
Raymond has served as a reliable depth option and return man since arriving in Detroit in 2021. However, his impact has declined during the current season. Schad pointed out that although Raymond earned second-team All-Pro recognition as a punt returner previously, his return averages have dropped significantly this year. His involvement in the passing game has also diminished.
Statistically, Raymond’s production has fallen off from his peak in 2022, when he recorded 47 receptions for 616 yards. That downturn, combined with Detroit’s evolving roster needs, has raised questions about his future.
Schad concluded that despite Fipp’s recent comments, the clock may already be running on Raymond’s tenure with the Lions, potentially setting the stage for his departure in the offseason.
For now, Detroit will hope Raymond can return to full health and make an impact against the Rams—but beyond this season, change may be on the horizon.
