Detroit Lions Sign Kalif Raymond to Contract Extension

Raymond is reportedly among the highest-paid return men in the NFL.

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension for wide receiver Kalif Raymond, according to an NFL Network report Friday afternoon. 

Terms of the contract were not immediately available. The report claimed that the veteran will be among the highest-paid punt returners in the league.

The news comes just hours before the Lions begin their season with a preseason matchup against the New York Giants. 

Raymond has been a key part of the Lions' special teams units since signing in 2021. He has returned 41 punts for 500 yards and a touchdown while playing for Detroit. 

He re-signed with the organization, after a strong 2021 season, to a two-year deal. Now, he's earned the right to remain a Lions for the following two seasons. 

Kalif Raymond has bounced around, playing for four teams before he landed in Detroit. Now, thanks to his prowess in special teams, he's found a home. https://t.co/fSgRwO5Ikx

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 11, 2023

“Huge. I mean, honestly. It’s easy to sleep, a little bit easier to wake up, too,” Raymond told reporters at a recent training camp practice. “But, no, I’m thankful for that more than anything. To be anywhere more than a year in this league is very tough, so to be here going on my third, I’m nothing but perfect."

He also took a massive step forward as a receiver in 2022, becoming the team's second-leading receiver last season. While many of the starters dealt with injuries, Raymond played in all 17 games. 

The Holy Cross product caught 47 passes for 616 yards in 2022. In two seasons as a member of the Lions, he has caught 95 passes for 1,192 yards and four scores. 

"I think each year, when guys are together, it creates a sense of continuity. You can even see it with (Jared Goff) and (Amon-Ra St. Brown)," Raymond said. "It's like a brain wave before the play even starts, they just know. As long as guys just get more years together, more time together, bond, being here is huge. But, let guys build up continuity to where when you get out there, you don't even need to talk. You just know what each other's thinking."