Wide receiver Kalif Raymond has agreed to a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, according to a source who spoke to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move will reunite Raymond with Ben Johnson, giving the Bears an offensive piece familiar with Johnson’s approach and system.
Raymond, an NFL veteran receiver and return specialist, has built a reputation for his versatility and professionalism. While detailed terms of the agreement were not disclosed, a one-year deal typically offers both the player and team flexibility: the Bears add depth and experience to their receiving group, while Raymond gains an opportunity to further prove his value in a new setting.
The reunion with Ben Johnson is a key element of this signing. Having worked with Johnson previously, Raymond should enter Chicago with a strong understanding of the concepts, terminology, and expectations within the offense. That familiarity can help ease his transition into the locker room, meetings, and practice structure, potentially allowing him to contribute quickly once offseason work begins.
On the field, Raymond’s game is built on quickness, route discipline, and the ability to operate in space. He has experience lining up both inside and outside, offering flexibility in how the Bears can deploy him in formations and sub-packages. In addition to his receiving skills, Raymond has a track record as a return option on special teams, which could provide Chicago with additional value in the return game and field-position battles.
For the Bears, adding a veteran wide receiver like Raymond helps bolster competition across the depth chart. His presence can complement younger receivers while providing another option for the coaching staff in designing weekly game plans. With his background in Johnson’s offense, Raymond may also serve as a resource for teammates who are learning or adjusting to the scheme.
The one-year agreement reflects a straightforward, low-commitment investment by Chicago, with the potential for Raymond to carve out a meaningful role on offense and special teams. As offseason activities and training camp approach, his familiarity with Ben Johnson and his adaptable skill set will be central to determining how prominently he features in the Bears’ plans.
