Olamide Zaccheaus Could Be the Spark for Bears in Camp and Beyond
The Chicago Bears are still chasing progress from a roster that finished 5-12 last year, and this week’s observations from joint practices with the Buffalo Bills are turning heads around one receiver in particular. While Caleb Williams, Colston Loveland, and new surroundings like Joe Thuney headline the offseason chatter, it’s Olamide Zaccheaus who may prove to be the under-the-radar catalyst this season.
Reports from Bears-Bills practices have highlighted Zaccheaus as a constant playmaker. Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic noted that “all Zaccheaus does is make plays,” and multiple outlets relayed that quarterback Williams hit Zaccheaus for a long touchdown during the session. By day’s end, Zaccheaus was caught on tape taking a Williams pass to the house during the final team period, signaling the potential for a meaningful role in Chicago’s offense.
The 28-year-old veteran isn’t a household name for every Bears fan yet, but his NFL track record backs the early optimism. Zaccheaus has averaged 28 catches for 382 yards and two touchdowns over six seasons. In a standout year with Washington, he posted 45 receptions for 506 yards and three scores, contributing to a playoff push. Football observers also point to Zaccheaus’ yards-after-catch ability: he ranked 13th in the league in yards after catch per reception at one point in his career. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has called him a “luxury player” for fourth receivers, praising his dual threat as a reliable target and a savvy blocker in plays designed around quick-hitting throws and tunnel screens.
At 5-foot-8 and 193 pounds, Zaccheaus may be undersized by traditional receiver standards, but his game is built on quickness, route discipline, and an ability to create after the catch. That combination fits a Bears offense under Ben Johnson’s system, where short to intermediate throws can be leveraged to maximize yards after catch and generate big plays with the right blockers in the perimeter and the slot. Zaccheaus has consistently shown he can run the tunnel, bubble, and quick-hit routes with bloodline-level effort — and that creates a valuable mismatch against nickel corners and linebackers alike.
While Chicago has other questions to solve—most notably left tackle and how the receiver room around D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and rookie Luther Burden will gel—Zaccheaus’ early camp impact provides tangible upside. If he keeps translating practice success to the real games, he could emerge as a crucial component in pushing the Bears out of the NFC North cellar and into a more competitive offensive profile this season.
What this could mean for the Bears
– Zaccheaus adds a reliable, high-motor presence who can operate in the slot and as a depth option on the outside.
– He complements Moore’s top-tier production and helps diversify the passing game with quick-hitting throws and contested catches in space.
– His blocking and route savvy could boost Johnson’s offense by keeping drives alive on short-yardage plays and screens.
Summary
Olamide Zaccheaus is emerging as a potential breakout contributor for the Chicago Bears this camp, with early buzz from joint practices and a track record as a dependable, versatile receiver who can generate yards after the catch. If the 28-year-old can sustain this momentum into reliable regular-season production, he could prove to be a valuable catalyst for Chicago’s offense in 2025.
Logical takeaway
Zaccheaus’ blend of route savvy, blocking chops, and proven production in mid-range targets makes him a strong fit for a multi-faceted offense looking to expand its weaponry beyond D.J. Moore. If his camp performance translates to the field, he could be a quietly pivotal piece that helps lift the Bears’ passing game.
Positive spin
This development adds depth and a potential spark to Chicago’s aerial attack, giving quarterbacking options, and making the offense less predictable. It’s a storyline worth watching as training camp rolls into the preseason and, eventually, the regular season.
Additional comments for value
– Monitor Zaccheaus’ involvement in early preseason games to gauge how quickly the coaching staff intends to utilize him as a primary or secondary option.
– Compare his usage and production to Odunze and Burden later in the season to understand how Chicago distributes targets among a growing young group and a veteran contributor.
– Watch for continued notes on the left tackle situation, as improved pass protection could amplify Zaccheaus’ impact on shorter throws and screens.
If you’d like, I can tailor a shorter version for a quick-read post or a longer, more in-depth piece with player-by-player matchup analysis for the Bears’ receiver group.