By Blessing 
Kalif Raymond’s Future in Detroit Looks Uncertain as Training Camp Approaches
The Detroit Lions had one of the most electric punt returners in the NFL last season. Kalif Raymond made waves with his ability to flip field position — and even break games open. But as the Lions gear up for training camp, there’s growing chatter that his time in Detroit could be nearing its end.
Raymond led the entire league in punt return yards in 2024, finishing with an impressive 413 total. Among his highlight moments was a thrilling 90-yard return touchdown against the Titans. His 13.8 yards per return put him third among players with at least 10 returns — a performance that earned him second-team All-Pro honors. Still, the NFL is relentless, and being great in one phase of the game doesn’t always guarantee long-term job security.
Despite Raymond’s special teams dominance, his role in other areas is limited. He’s not a factor on kickoff coverage or other units, and his involvement in the Lions’ offense has shrunk. Last season, he saw just 240 offensive snaps and caught 17 passes for 215 yards. Solid, yes — but for a player who’s set to count nearly $7 million against the cap, Detroit may be evaluating if that’s enough value.
There’s also the matter of his potential successor. Detroit made a bold move during the draft, trading up in the third round to snag Isaac TeSlaa out of Arkansas. At first glance, the pick raised eyebrows — TeSlaa didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet in college. In two seasons, he posted 62 catches for 896 yards and five touchdowns.
But the Lions see more than stats. They see potential. TeSlaa is a physical specimen: 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical leap, and a 4.05-second short shuttle. Even though he’s never returned kicks or punts in college, Detroit believes they can develop him into a versatile asset — possibly one that fills Raymond’s role and offers more.
To be clear, Raymond isn’t being shown the door just yet. Earlier this offseason, he restructured his deal with the team, removing the void year in 2026 and locking in more guarantees for 2025. That makes his current $6.95 million cap hit harder to move off of — and gives TeSlaa time to adjust to the pro level.
Still, the writing may already be on the wall. Raymond turns 32 by the time the 2026 season begins. For a return specialist — especially one standing 5-foot-8 and contributing in only one area — that’s not the kind of profile teams build around.
Detroit didn’t just draft TeSlaa for the now; they drafted with an eye toward the future. The transition won’t happen overnight, but it’s clear the Lions are preparing for a post-Raymond era. His 2025 season may well be his last in Honolulu blue and silver.