Kalif Raymond leaving for a division rival in the Chicago Bears was one of the more surprising moments of this offseason for the Detroit Lions. After being such a steady and reliable player for years in Detroit, both as a receiver and a punt returner, replacing Raymond added another item to the Lions’ to-do list.
To replace Raymond, the Lions signed Greg Dortch. And while this move may not garner the attention some of the bigger names on the market would, Dortch brings a familiar skill set—and a proven connection to Detroit’s coaching staff—that fills the void after Raymond’s departure.
But what exactly are the Lions getting in Dortch? What was his role in Arizona? Can he carve out a consistent role on offense, or is he best suited as a return specialist and depth option?
To get the inside perspective, we spoke with Seth Cox—Managing Editor for Revenge of the Birds—who had a chance to cover Dortch’s time in the desert. Here’s what he had to say about the Lions newest receiver and return specialist.
1. After spending five seasons in Detroit, the Lions saw Kalif Raymond leave for Chicago this offseason. Raymond served as reliable depth in the receivers’ room and was an All Pro twice for his work as a punt returner.
What do you think of Dortch fitting into a similar role–limited targets in the receiving game and all he can handle on special teams?
I think Dortch has been a great fit for the Arizona Cardinals. He was the ultimate team player, worked his way into his role and whenever they brought in competition or someone to take his spot, he never complained, he just put his head down and worked.
Now, why did they bring in competition? Well, he is everything you want in a competitor and teammate, but he is undersized and isn’t the elite athlete that Raymond was. That being said, Dortch is shifty, durable, reliable and willing to give you everything he has, so I think he’ll be a nice fit as a special teamer with the ability to help out as a wide receiver if needed, but I don’t know if he’s the consistent big play threat Raymond was.
2. Dortch will reunite with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing in Detroit. In what ways was Dortch utilized in Arizona, and where could you see his skill set best being utilized in Detroit?
He’s a slot dynamo with good YAC skills and is reliable as a receiver. He isn’t going to take the top off the defense, but he is someone you can count on to make tough catches in traffic and make plays underneath.
3. As a receiver, what are Dortch’s strengths? What about as a returner? What are some of the shortcomings in his game?
Just the toughness and consistency when called upon. He’s not one of those guys who misses opportunities and fans in Arizona would consistently want to see him get more opportunities because he made plays when called upon as a receiver. He’s just not a guy who can be a number one or two, but he also seems to know and embrace his WR3 or 4 role.
As a returner he is reliable, but not game breaking. He’s never had a punt return touchdown, and he’s very conservative with his returns and decisions to return the ball.
4. What stood out most about Dortch’s intangibles—whether it was his leadership, work ethic, competitiveness, or another quality—that made him valuable to the Cardinals?
Just how good of a teammate he is. Unselfish, team first, and willing to do whatever it takes when he actually gets the shot. He’s a guy you want on your roster.
5. Are there any particular moments from games or specific matchups from Dortch’s time in Arizona that Lions fans should check out to get a sense of what he will bring to Detroit’s receiving game/return game? What did those performances reveal about him as a player?
The Dortch experience was always about his singular games where he made things happen and made you want more.
Whether it was a play against the Jaguars where he took a slant to the house to give the Cardinals a lead late in the fourth quarter, or his two touchdown game against the San Francisco 49ers to end the 2024 season, Dortch gave you something fun on any given Sunday and was always a joy to watch and root for.
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