THE WHO: Kalif Raymond, speedy veteran WR who’s helped my fantasy team on more than one occasion.
THE WHAT: If we live by the motto, “In Ben Johnson We Trust,” then we have to be very much on board with the acquisition of a guy he coached up at his previous stop in Detroit. Aside from the fact that it’s always fun to annoy the Lions (or the Packers, or the Vikings), the Bears needed some depth at the wide receiver position, and Raymond will fill the role that was played last year by Olamide Zaccheaus. Raymond is a solid field-stretcher, who, when given the opportunity, can and will produce. (See: 2021 when he racked up 576 yards and four tuddies.) As a punt returner, the 31-year-old out of Holy Cross found paydirt in three of his last four seasons, and having a reliable punt guy won’t suck. He’ll likely battle Jahdae Walker for snaps, but that’s a not a bad problem to have.
THE DEAL: One year, $5.1 million
THE VERDICT: A sure-handed veteran receiver (one career fumble) isn’t a bad use of Chicago’s dwindling cap cash. Even with D.J. Moore out of the picture, the Bears WR room looks pretty darn good. Sure, a $4.5 million deal would’ve have been a tad tastier, but it’s a solid get.