The Lions have a full replacement plan on the roster already, after Kalif Raymond left for the Bears

The Lions have been expected to make this move for a little while now

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Jul 31, 2025; Canton, Ohio, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Dominic Lovett (19) runs against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard (33) in the second quarter at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

A lot of eras are ending for the Detroit Lions this week. Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Alex Anzalone, and now Kalif Raymond are all gone. Raymond just signed with the Chicago Bears, if you missed it.

There’s bound to be a feeling that the Lions are going on some big rebuild now, but that is not the case. These were all expected in their own way. As for Raymond and what he did for the Lions, this one might have been more expected than anyone, as the Lions already had a plan here.

The Lions’ likely plan to replace Kalif Raymond with Dominic Lovett

Last year, the Lions drafted Lovett out of Georgia in the seventh round, and at the time, he was the one pick I just couldn’t figure out. The thing was that all the film showed was that everything Lovett was proficient at, the Lions already had a guy on the roster who could do all of that. That was Raymond.

The Lions worked in Lovett whenever they could in 2025, but for the most part, he was neatly stashed on the Lions’ 53-man roster to make sure he didn’t get poached. In 2026, he should be expected to play a much bigger role, and that role is the Raymond role.

Lovett should be back for punt returns. You should expect him to play a smaller role on offense as Raymond did, but when they need those gadget plays and that underneath stuff. Lovett can be there for that. He can also take the occasional big throw downfield too.

The big thing Lovett brings to the table that Raymond didn’t is that he has the tools to maybe be one of the best, if not the best, gunners in the NFL on kickoffs and punts. He flies down the field and isn’t afraid to hit somebody. Jack Fox and Jake Bates are going to love him if they’re looking to plant opposing offenses deep downfield.

It’s sad to see Raymond go because, from a team standpoint, he was a heart and soul guy. From a media standpoint, he was always polite and fun to talk to. The Bears are going to love him. But the Lions have their next guy ready to go.

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