Bears’ Unlikely Offseason Star is Stealing the Spotlight

When the Chicago Bears signed wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency this offseason, it didn’t turn many heads. Slotted as a depth piece behind DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and second-round pick Luther Burden III, Zaccheaus seemed destined for a quiet wideout role. But just a few weeks into training camp, the 28-year-old veteran is making it impossible to ignore him.

Olamide Zaccheaus is Stealing the Spotlight

Zaccheaus might just be the most impressive player in camp thus far. Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs named him the “surprise player of camp so far,” noting that while his breakout might not be shocking to those familiar with his game, the consistency he’s shown has been impressive.

“He has been a complementary guy in the passing game in Washington, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, and that’s the role he figures to have here,” Biggs wrote. “That said, he has averaged 13.4 yards per catch in his career. He could prove to be a sneaky good addition to the offense.”

And sneaky good addition he’s been so far. BearReport’s Zach Pearson notes that Zaccheaus “continues to stand out,” and had a standout performance against the Miami Dolphins in joint practice with a 70-yard TD from Caleb Williams.

Plays like that are turning Zaccheaus from a camp story into a potential offensive focal point. While Burden is expected to develop into a key weapon, it wouldn’t be surprising if Zaccheaus ends up seeing more targets in the first half of the season. His chemistry with Williams is already apparent, and his ability to create separation and pick up yards after the catch makes him a reliable safety blanket for the second-year quarterback.

More Than Just a “Luxury” Player

ESPN labeled Zaccheaus as a “luxury” player for the Bears, but he’s more than that. Having arguably the best third/fourth option at wide receiver in the NFL is a rare situation, but Zaccheaus is quickly proving he’s more than just a depth option.

At 5’8″ and 199 pounds, he doesn’t have the prototypical frame of an elite wideout, yet he plays with a physical edge, excelling as both a receiver and blocker. As ESPN’s Bill Barnwell noted, he was effective last season in Washington, finding holes in coverage, executing bubble and tunnel screens, posting 1.9 yards per route run, and becoming one of Jayden Daniels’ most trusted weapons.

In Chicago, Zaccheaus will have the chance to focus entirely on what he does best. His work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to do whatever is asked of him make him a coach’s dream.

Head coach Ben Johnson already labeled Zaccheaus as one of four players he trusts the most, which includes Cole Kmet, Moore, and Odunze.

“I think OZ (Olamide Zaccheaus) is doing a great job of being where he’s supposed to be and he’s professional about it,” Johnson said. “I would say throughout the course of spring and camp so far, those are the four that I’d bring up first.”

As Chicago aims to reestablish itself as a contender, players like Zaccheaus could make the difference between a good offense and a great one. He may not get the headlines like the other wideouts get, but the Bears’ “unlikely” offseason star is making a strong case that he’ll be stealing the spotlight well into the regular season.