The Chicago Bears entered the 2026 NFL season with two strong candidates who could make significant contributions on special teams.
Veteran Kalif Raymond and third-round draft pick Zavion Thomas each bring their own unique talents that make Chicago's kick-return unit dangerous.
Head coach Ben Johnson spent five seasons with Raymond in Detroit. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound return man has returned 62 kicks for 1,338 yards before joining the Bears. Thomas returned 35 kicks for 952 yards and two touchdowns during his four years in college. As a junior at LSU, he returned 24 kicks for 633 yards and a score.
Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower got an experienced veteran and an explosive rookie to work with this season. However, the Bears haven't had much success returning kicks in the first four weeks.
Bears really struggling on returning on special teams
The Bears have 12 kick returns for 255 yards – ranking 31st in the NFL. The Cleveland Browns lead the league with 621 yards on 22 kick returns. Chicago's Week 5 opponent, the Green Bay Packers, are eighth in the NFL (19 returns for 524 yards).
Against the New York Jets last week, Hightower was not pleased with his unit's performance. Thomas's longest return was 27 yards, and the kick return team was flagged for two penalties on the final drive. Rookie Sam Roush committed a hold, and Jahdae Walker was penalized for an illegal block above the waist.
Hightower said he is working with his team to improve the scheme and technique. The veteran special teams coordinator also needs to improve as well.
When Hightower was asked what he attributes the penalties to, he said, “Speed creates penalties.” When the opposition plays with elite speed, that creates penalties, so proper technique is essential.
Thomas leads the team with 170 yards on right-kick returns. Although Hightower believes the rookie is doing a good job, he thinks Thomas is starting to realize how quickly the lanes close, a good but important reminder for the former third-round pick not to hesitate, but to decide and commit.
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The Bears are always looking for ways to improve their football team. Special teams are no different. As Johnson’s team enters the second quarter of the season, Chicago's kick return unit must improve to maximize the talent invested in the third phase.
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