Bears Special Teams Standout Requests Trade After Losing Shot at Starting Role

Chicago, IL. The Chicago Bears have made several moves during the first wave of free agency, but one recent signing may already be creating tension inside the roster.

Chicago’s front office made headlines by bringing in veteran return specialist Kalif Raymond, a player widely respected for his special teams production and two Second-Team All-Pro selections during his time with the Detroit Lions.

While the move strengthens the Bears’ return game on paper, it has also complicated the outlook for a young player who believed he had finally earned his opportunity.

Sources close to the situation indicate Josh Blackwell has informally expressed interest in exploring a potential trade after realizing his path to becoming Chicago’s primary returner has effectively disappeared.

Blackwell had hoped the job would open up after veteran returner Devin Duvernay departed in free agency. The 26-year-old had shown promising growth during the 2025 season, recording 18 kick returns for 455 yards, averaging 25.3 yards per return, a career high.

Instead of stepping into the starting role, Blackwell now finds himself competing behind Raymond, whose extensive return résumé makes him the clear favorite to handle both kickoffs and punts.

“I’ve worked hard for every opportunity I’ve had in this league. I want a chance to contribute in a bigger role, and if that opportunity isn’t here, hopefully it can come somewhere else.”

Blackwell originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 before eventually landing with Chicago. Over time he carved out a niche as a dependable special teams contributor while also seeing occasional snaps in the secondary.

Despite the frustration, the situation is not necessarily irreversible. The Bears recently lost several defensive backs in free agency, including Nahshon Wright, C. J. Gardner-Johnson, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, which could still create opportunities for Blackwell to see more defensive snaps.

For now, however, the arrival of Raymond has dramatically reshaped the special teams depth chart, leaving Blackwell’s future in Chicago suddenly uncertain as the offseason continues.