The Washington Commanders are heading into 2026 with a fresh offensive identity-and a familiar face calling the shots. David Blough, stepping in as offensive coordinator, brings more than just a new playbook.
He brings relationships, preferences, and insight into players he's worked with before. That could mean a few former Detroit Lions are on Washington’s radar this offseason, and one name to keep an eye on is veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond.
A Familiar Face with Versatility
Blough and Raymond crossed paths in Detroit, where Blough was on the roster in 2021 and 2023. While Blough didn’t see regular-season action in those years, he had a front-row seat to what Raymond brought to the table-on offense and special teams. Now, with Blough helping to shape the Commanders’ offense, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him advocate for a player like Raymond, who fits a very specific mold: fast, smart, and versatile.
Raymond isn’t a WR2 solution, and no one’s pretending otherwise. But what he does offer is flexibility.
He’s played across the formation-outside, in the slot, and even in gadget roles. That kind of versatility is gold for a coordinator looking to build a creative, matchup-driven system.
Add in his punt return pedigree-he was a second-team All-Pro in 2022-and you’ve got a player who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.
How Raymond Fits in Washington
Let’s be clear: Jaylin Lane had a standout rookie year as a returner, and he’s earned the right to keep that job. So, if Raymond were to land in Washington, it likely wouldn’t be to take over on special teams. Instead, think of him as a situational weapon-someone who can line up in different spots, run crisp routes, and keep defenses honest with his speed.
If Deebo Samuel Sr. isn’t brought back, and if Lane doesn’t make a leap as a receiver, Raymond becomes even more intriguing. He’s not going to carry the offense, but he doesn’t need to.
What he offers is reliability, experience, and a skill set that complements what Washington already has. For a projected one-year salary of $3.45 million, that’s solid value-especially for a team trying to support a young quarterback like Jayden Daniels.
Balancing Youth and Experience
At 32 years old when the 2026 season kicks off, Raymond doesn’t exactly fit the long-term rebuild mold. Adam Peters and the front office have made it clear they want to build through youth-developing talent on rookie deals and nurturing homegrown stars. But there’s always room for a veteran or two who can stabilize the locker room and deliver in specific roles.
Raymond checks that box. He’s not a long-term answer, but he could be a short-term solution-an insurance policy with upside. And in a league where depth and flexibility often decide games, that kind of addition can quietly make a big impact.
What to Watch This Offseason
The Commanders have plenty of decisions to make as free agency approaches, and wide receiver depth is high on the list. If Kalif Raymond hits the open market-and if Washington is looking for a low-risk, high-character veteran who already has a connection with the new play-caller-don’t be surprised if his name surfaces.
He may not be a headline-grabbing signing, but in the right system, with the right role, Raymond could be exactly the kind of piece that helps this offense take a step forward.