The Detroit Lions appear to have a clear plan at wide receiver and special teams, and it may not include Kalif Raymond moving forward.

As the NFL offseason continues and free agency approaches, the Lions are beginning to make decisions on which of their own players they will re-sign. After previously evaluating Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhammad, attention now turns to veteran wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond.

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Why Kalif Raymond Could Re-Sign With the Lions

Raymond has been an important part of the Lions’ culture during their recent rise. Since arriving in Detroit, he has consistently been viewed as a heart-and-soul player and a leader in the locker room.

Although injuries limited him in 2025, Raymond has proven his value as an elite return specialist. He earned All-Pro honors in both 2022 and 2024, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most dangerous return men. Over his five seasons in Detroit, Raymond has delivered steady production and several momentum-changing plays.

During the 2025 season, Raymond produced key performances as a receiver:

4 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown vs. Steelers

4 receptions for 49 yards vs. Commanders

3 catches for 52 yards vs. Bears

While his return production dipped compared to 2024, he still recorded a punt return touchdown against the Browns in Week 4, showing he can still impact games on special teams.

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Why Kalif Raymond May Not Return to Detroit

This is where Raymond’s free agency outlook becomes more predictable. The Lions appear to have drafted his replacement in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting wide receiver Dominic Lovett from Georgia in the seventh round.

Lovett brings a similar skill set as Raymond:

Return ability

Gadget-play potential on offense

However, Lovett also offers something Raymond does not — the ability to play as an elite gunner on punt coverage, adding more special teams value.

Age is also a factor. Raymond will turn 32 years old this season, while Lovett is just 23. The Lions have shown a willingness to move on from aging contributors in favor of younger, cheaper options, and this situation fits that pattern.

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Kalif Raymond Contract Projection

If Detroit were to re-sign Raymond, it would likely be on a short-term deal. A projected contract would be:

1 year, $4 million

$3 million guaranteed

Anything beyond a one-year commitment appears unlikely given his age and the team’s younger alternatives.

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Final Prediction

All signs point toward the Lions moving on from Kalif Raymond in free agency. Detroit has a younger replacement already in place and an opportunity to allocate resources elsewhere on the roster.

While Raymond’s contributions to the franchise should not be overlooked, this appears to be a situation where the Lions choose youth and flexibility over familiarity.

Prediction: Kalif Raymond will not return to the Detroit Lions in 2026.