March 29, 2026, 12:00 p.m. CT
The Chicago Bears didn’t make any big splashes in free agency, but there were some underrated signings that could turn out to be impactful players in 2026, including former Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond.
Raymond signed a one-year deal with Chicago, where he reunites with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle-El. Following the departures of DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, the Bears needed a veteran in a young receivers room that features Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Jahdae Walker.
While Raymond also received interest from Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers during free agency, ultimately, it came down to the Bears and Lions. As for why Raymond ultimately chose Chicago, he couldn’t pass up a reunion with his former offensive coordinator.
“I wanted to play in Ben’s offense,” Raymond said, via The Athletic’s Dan Pompei. “He’s extraordinarily creative, and honestly, you can be in any spot on the offense, and he will find a way to get you the ball. Just to be under him is a great privilege.”
It could also have something to do with Raymond’s reduced role on offense after Johnson left to coach Chicago last season. Last season, Raymond was targeted 30 times where he totaled 24 catches for 289 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, under Johnson, Raymond was targeted 71 times in 2021 and 64 times in 2022. While he won’t be the focal point in an offense that features Odunze, Burden and tight end Colston Loveland, Raymond will have a bigger role on offense under Johnson.
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“Is he going to be a 1,000-yard receiver?” Johnson says. “No. But I think he’s capable of a bigger role in our offense than what he had a year ago.”
