The Detroit Lions are facing a pivotal offseason decision regarding veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond. Last year's draft saw the Lions select Isaac TeSlaa, which initially puzzled fans who were comfortable with Raymond holding the WR3 spot. TeSlaa showed promise in limited action, but Raymond's performance in 2025 was nothing short of impressive, especially during the latter half of the season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Raymond emerged as the most improved wide receiver in the NFL from Week 10 onward. He posted an 82.0 PFF grade, ranking 14th among wide receivers.
Raymond caught all 15 of his targets for 225 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his reliability and playmaking ability. His 2.34 yards per route run also placed him 14th, while his 8.9 yards after the catch per reception ranked fourth.
Raymond's standout season makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a wide receiver, potentially offering him a more significant role than Detroit can, given their current roster featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. With the Lions' cap situation in mind, it seems likely that Raymond might explore free agency for a bigger opportunity.
Currently, Raymond's market value is estimated at $3.5 million for a one-year deal, a figure within reach for Detroit if they make some cap adjustments. However, with no restructuring moves made yet, the clock is ticking as the NFL offseason ramps up.
TeSlaa, still on his rookie contract through 2028, presents an affordable option for the Lions at WR3. While Raymond brings more experience and established chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions drafted TeSlaa with the intention of him stepping up should Raymond depart.
Detroit faces several challenging decisions in free agency, starting with Raymond and extending to other players like Al-Quadin Muhammad. Retaining Raymond would be beneficial, not only for his on-field contributions but also as a mentor to younger players like Jackson Meeks. However, if Raymond seeks a larger role after a stellar 2025 season, it's reasonable to expect him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.