Kalif Raymond filling ideal complementary role for Chicago Bears

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Kalif Raymond filling ideal complementary role for Chicago Bears

Kalif Raymond filling ideal complementary role for Chicago Bears

Randy Holt, Bears Wire · Bears Wire

Thu, October 29, 2026 at 1:15 PM UTC ·

3 min read

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As impressive as the Chicago Bears ' offense has been through the first seven weeks of 2026, it's been an imperfect beginning for a handful of individual performers on that side of the ball. Whether it's Rome Odunze's drops or Colston Loveland's general involvement, it hasn't all been ideal. But Kalif Raymond's presence has allowed them to weather some of the growth still needed from the team's receiving corps.

Playing in Chicago on a one-year deal, Raymond was never going to replace the production of someone like the departed DJ Moore. After all, he was signed following the trade of Moore that correlated with expectations of an evolution from the likes of Odunze, Loveland, and Luther Burden III. Raymond's presence was more so to bring depth and something of a security blanket-like presence in the slot (in addition to his work on the return side), a role he's filled admirably roughly a third of the way through the season.

Through seven games, Raymond's 26 receptions for 244 yards sit identical to Colston Loveland's and, as such, are tied for second on the team (behind Burden). He has one touchdown to his name, which came back in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Again, nothing eye-popping but it's also been something essential, especially with a touch deeper of a look.

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) is tackled by the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after place kicker Cairo Santos (8) makes a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes against New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (14) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs off the field after the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) celebrates making an interception against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks an extra point against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) hug after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) is tackled by New England Patriots safety Jaylen Reed (23) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles against New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates with teammates after making a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon (82) runs the ball agisnt Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) during the first half cat Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Mike Ditka is remembered prior to the game between New England Patriots and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Grady Jarrett (50) celebrates with teammates after making a stop against the New England Patriots on fourth down during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon (6) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) fakes handing off the ball off to running back D'Andre Swift (4) against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) makes a field goal against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) passes against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs for a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Devin Bush (12) and linebacker Noah Sewell (44) tackle New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) and cornerback Clark Phillips III (20) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with an official during the first half against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
(Patrick Gorski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

While much of Raymond's production did come in that Week 3 tilt, there's something to be said for what the analytics indicate about his performance thus far. On his 31 targets, Raymond has a catch rate of 83.9 percent. That number trails only D'Andre Swift among qualifying targets on the Bears and 15th in the league at large. His 8.0 percent catch rate over expected is behind only Burden. Additionally, Raymond's 134 yards after catch ranks third on the team while his 10 YAC over expected is, again, second to Burden among the team's receivers.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Raymond slides further down the list when you talk about air yards. His 5.9 air yards per target offer something much more middle-of-the-road, as does his 1.4 yards run per route. However, he's also averaging 5.0 yards of separation, a number which trails only Swift. Given the respective roles of the two, that's unsurprising. A running back and a security blanket wide receiver who isn't a deep threat? Nevertheless, that helps to illustrate exactly why Raymond is in Chicago in the first place.

Fulfilling this kind of role successfully has Raymond up at +14.7 EPA overall and +0.47 EPA per target. Both of those figures are tops on the team. Essentially, working those underneath routes largely across the middle affords Raymond plenty of space to be exactly where he needs to be: down the list of reads but with the hope of adding something extra after the catch. That combination of factors is what the Bears were hoping Raymond would provide, and there hasn't been anything that has unfolded through seven weeks to cause us to think that he's been anything other than successful at it.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Kalif Raymond filling ideal complementary role for Chicago Bears

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