Ben Johnson and the Bears move quick to find their next WR3 by reuniting with a exciting player from his time in Detroit
The Chicago Bears have a new slot receiver and exciting player on special teams.
The Chicago Bears made three outside moves on the first day of free agency to please defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and now the team has made a low-budget signing that will excite head coach Ben Johnson by filling an underrated need.
The Bears are expected to sign former Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond to a one-year, $5.1 million deal, who has experience playing for Johnson and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. Finding a WR3 was a sneaky need for the team after trading DJ Moore and losing Olamide Zaccheaus.
Kalif Raymond is exactly what the Bears needed at the right price to address two areas of need
Not only does Raymond give the Bears’ offense a speedy player with experience in the offensive scheme, he’s also a dangerous and electric punt returner that has three career return touchdowns. It’s not just what he brings onto the field, the Lions absolutely loved this guy and the Bears will too.
“Raymond has been one of those heart and soul guys for the Lions for a long time. But unfortunately father time is hard to beat. Raymond has dealt with injuries in the last two years and his usage has gotten a lot smaller. Still, the Bears are getting a solid punt returner who was an All-Pro there twice. On offense, he could be a gadget player who comes in and can play sort of a hybrid running back and receiver role. Being back with Ben Johnson could help his usage.” – A to Z Sports Detroit’s Mike Payton
Raymond brings versatility to the team’s offense as while, giving Johnson another creating piece to use out-wide or in the slot. His speed makes him a legit weapon on crossing routes and over the top, which can make him a YAC weapon or help open things up for Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland. Johnson can get really creative with the way he deploys these three WRs.
Raymond can give the Bears a blend of what they had in Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay in one player. The price won’t break the bank and still keeps the door open for 2025 undrafted free agent Jahdae Walker to continue developing in his second season.
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