Early Chicago Bears breakout gets coordinator explanation

Based on offseason hype, the easy money would’ve been on Colston Loveland, Luther Burden or Rome Odunze to lead the Chicago Bears in receiving entering Week 4. But instead, that distinction goes to veteran Kalif Raymond.

Expected to serve as WR3, Raymond has exploded for team-highs in receptions (19) and yardage (214). His 41-yard touchdown grab against the Philadelphia Eagles further highlighted how valuable he’s been to the passing game.

Eventually, the aforementioned trio will get more involved. All three are way too talented and present mismatches head coach Ben Johnson can’t ignore.

Still, the doesn’t mean Raymond will be eliminated from the offense. He’s proven he can carve out a true, impactful role in Chicago.

Kalif Raymond becomes real threat with Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Kalif Raymond — Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Will Lee III (24) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Raymond came to the Bears in free agency on a one-year contract. The 2026 season also marked offensive coordinator Press Taylor’s first year with the team after Declan Doyle’s departure. It didn’t take long for Taylor to believe the receiver was capable of breaking out, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN.

“If there’s a route on air, he’s going to run it exactly the way you want, and then it carries over to a game, and he’s going to run exactly the way you want,” Taylor said.

Raymond is now six receptions away from breaking his total amount over 15 games with the Detroit Lions in 2025. His career-highs are 48 receptions (2021), 616 yards (2022) and four touchdowns (2021). While the veteran may not reach those heights due to Chicago’s other pass catchers, his fast start has essentially matched his production over his last two seasons.

As long as Raymond has the hot hand, whoever is playing quarterback will be looking his way. To Taylor, that “hot hand,” is a complete understanding of each route structure. If Raymond is where he is supposed to be, the quarterback will have an easier time finding him in open space.

Opposing defenses are now aware of what Raymond can do. But stopping the Bears offense overall is a whole different story.

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