The Chicago Bears have bigger plans for Kalif Raymond than most fans and media expect. Ben Johnson said that the free agent signing has been everything that they expected. He also noted that the team has a role for him, and he will be “a huge part of what we do.”
Ben Johnson reveals the Chicago Bears' plans for Kalif Raymond
When the Bears signed Raymond, it was not a newsworthy addition. Raymond has been in the NFL since 2016 and has not recorded more than 616 yards. He is now going to be 32 years old during the season, and he produced 289 yards in his most recent year with the Detroit Lions. He looks like a depth signing who should compete to make the team.
Ben Johnson with high praise for Kalif Raymond:
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) June 9, 2026
"You would not know he is 31 going on 32. He's been exactly what he hoped for. He's got fresh legs. He's hungry. He's not a gadget guy. He's got elite quickness. I think he is going to be a huge part of what we do."
However, the Bears have serious plans for him.
Johnson coached Raymond with the Lions and was the offensive coordinator when Raymond had his career-high in yards. He also saw Raymond decline as the team added more pass-catching weapons, but he is familiar with his skill set and how to get the most out of him.
That familiarity matters. Johnson knows exactly what Raymond does well and what situations put him in a position to succeed. The Bears are not guessing on how to use him because Johnson already has years of experience coaching him.
While it might not be a major role, the Bears will need him in 2026. They lost both D.J. Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus this offseason. The team expects a combination of Luther Burden, Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland to take on the majority of the lost targets. Still, they also brought in Raymond and Zavion Thomas.
Thomas should have a role, but it may come on designed touches, screens, and special teams work rather than as a traditional receiver. That could leave more snaps available for Raymond than many expect. So, the Bears could genuinely use Raymond as their number three wide receiver. Even if Burden took on the work that Moore had, there are still the snaps that Zaccheaus had and the extra snaps that Burden had as a rookie.
This might not be Raymond getting back to his career-high levels, but it could be some of the most snaps he has played in a couple of seasons. The Bears seem fine with Raymond being in this role and they expect a big year out of him in 2026.
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