Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is not done, even after adding three new offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, and a tight end in free agency. The Bears’ next move was to add another target for Caleb Williams – Olamide Zaccheaus. Zaccheaus, 27, spent the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders.
He had 506 yards and tied his career-high with 3 touchdowns while setting a new mark with 45 receptions.
Bears Sign Ex-Commanders WR Olamide Zaccheaus in Free Agency
Olamide Zaccheaus Gives Bears Veteran WR3 Option
“Veteran WR Olamide Zaccheaus is signing with the #Bears, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on March 13. “OZ had a career-high 45 catches and three TDs last season with Washington. Another weapon for Caleb Williams.”
JD5 ➡️ OZ
📺 #ATLvsWAS @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/K7Lblyn6PO
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 30, 2024
Zaccheaus was an undrafted free agent out of Virginia in 2019.
Bears Add Journeyman
He began his career with the Atlanta Falcons where he was teammates with new Bears linemen Drew Dalman and Grady Jarrett.
The 5-foot-8 wideout has also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles. He joins a Bears wide receiver corps that has questions behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze with Keenan Allen not expected back in free agency.
OZ was making MOVES@MlinaresDC x @elPoderosoDC pic.twitter.com/KtTKWqStXv
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 24, 2024
The Bears also have 2023 third-round pick Tyler Scott, though he has yet to make his mark.
Zaccheaus has posted three seasons with at least 50 receptions, 400 yards, and 3 touchdowns in his career.
Bears’ Options at WR
The trio of Maurice Alexander, Samori Toure, and John Jackson round out the group, though they will like be practice squad players. The Bears could also look to add another wideout in the 2025 NFL Draft or even bring Allen back.
Allen told Marcedes Lewis on “The Big Dog Podcast” that it was either Chicago or LA.
Allen began his career with the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Rams are also in town. The latter added Davante Adams in free agency, though. Would Allen then head to the San Francisco 49ers? Is getting close to the West Coast good enough? He caught 70 passes for 744 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024.
The receptions and yards were both steps back from his 2023 campaign, but he also played well down the stretch.
Bears Should Get More Out of Tight Ends
The 2025 season could be a bounce-back year for Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who posted a 47-474-4 line in 2024. Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had 726 yards and 7 scores on 60 catches.
Durham Smythe, who signed his contract but has not been introduced, is a blocker. However, he also has two seasons with at least 34 grabs and 350 yards under his belt.
Targeting the tight ends more could offset the lack of a clear WR3, though it is likely Zaccheaus.