One of the clear standouts from the Chicago Bears minicamp was veteran receiver Kalif Raymond. The undersized pass catcher consistently flashed in practice, showing off his speed and flexibility that Ben Johnson clearly coveted in the 2026 offseason. What made Raymond so impressive as well is the fact that the veteran didn't attempt to ice out clear starting competition in Zavion Thomas, but was noted for spending time working with the rookie, as the two players clearly were challenging each other with Raymond taking on a leadership role.
This is exactly the type of player that you want to see added to the Chicago offense. Not only is Raymond showing off his ability to make plays, but a level of maturity and willingness to accept any role that has the signing as one of the bigger wins of the Bears' offseason.
Raymond finished last season with 289 receiving yards and a lone touchdown while returning kicks for the Lions. This is the level of production the Bears should be expecting, understanding that Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, and Luther Burden are all going to demand far more targets.
Add in an exciting run game and the presence of Thomas and Cole Kmet, and the Bears have no shortage of weapons and need players willing to find ways to win. This is exactly what Raymond is doing, showing the ability to make plays in a reserve role and embracing helping a player who could easily be viewed as competition.
Bears Quietly Had Huge Offseason Win Adding Veteran Receiver Kalif Raymond
What makes Raymond's addition interesting as well is the proven ability to contribute if injuries were to strike. While the past two seasons of production have been underwhelming, the receiver previously offered 616 receiving yards in the 2022 season and followed this up with 489 yards the following year.
If there is one weakness in Raymond's game outside of the receiver's limited size, it is being a redzone threat with only four combined touchdowns over the last three seasons. Still, the level of experience and flexibility that Raymond offers Chicago's roster has the move as one of the bigger offseason wins and has a chance to help Caleb Williams ascend to an even higher level.
Raymond thrives as the forgotten man and is set up to take on this role for the Bears. With the opposing defense focusing on far more fearsome targets, Raymond is going to have a chance to make consistent plays and prove his value as a secondary weapon. Add in the value to special teams and helping Chicago's young receivers, and there is no argument against it being one of the team's better offseason decisions.
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