Windy City Gridiron
Buzz has been generating around one unexpected name during the Chicago Bears’ training camp: Olamide Zaccheus. The Bears signed the former Washington Commanders wide receiver in free agency on a one-year, $1.5 million contract.
Zaccheus had just come off his career-best season with the Commanders. While the move was not a flashy one, many fans felt good about the signing as it would add depth to the position group.
However, according to reports from training camp, Zaccheus is adding much more to this offense than just depth. He has been a consistent standout player during camp, making fans and the media alike rethink his role in this offense this upcoming season.
Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs praised Zaccheus’ consistency throughout camp, claiming that he could be a “sneaky good addition to the offense.” Biggs named him the surprise player of camp so far.
When asked which pass catchers he trusts at this point in a recent press conference, Head Coach Ben Johnson named Zaccheus as one of them, along with Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze, potentially signaling that Zaccheus will be an offensive focal point in the ‘25 season.
Johnson states, “I think OZ (Olamide Zaccheaus) is doing a great job of being where he’s supposed to be and he’s being a professional about it…I would say throughout the course of spring and camp so far, those are the four that I’d bring up first.”
Zaccheus has not only made an impression on Johnson, but he’s also been a standout to fans and the Bears media. BearReport’s Zack Pearson, Marc Silverman of ESPN 1000, and others have commented on Zaccheus’ performance during camp so far as he has been getting a considerable amount of reps. He’s been making plays every day of camp and building chemistry with starting quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears joint practice with the Miami Dolphins was no different as Zaccheus connected with Williams for a 70-yard touchdown.
Overall, Zaccheus has been a reliable, consistent, and hard-working player who will provide some stability to a new offense and act as a go-to target for the second-year quarterback. He will definitely be a player you will want to keep your eyes on.
Do you think Zaccheus will earn the WR3 spot over second-round draft pick Luther Burden III?
