This offseason, the Chicago Bears added multiple wide receivers to the roster to help Caleb Williams. During free agency, Chicago signed veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, and then in the draft, they selected University of Missouri receiver Luther Burden. Though Burden's selection immediately outshone Zacchaeus's signing, the latter of the two moves shouldn't have been overlooked by Bears fans.
The 28-year-old receiver has been proving exactly why that's the case throughout training camp. Following practice on Wednesday, Marquee Network's Scott Bair highlighted the relationship
Zacchaeus has been building with Williams. Bair said, " Olamide Zaccheaus shows up every day. Clearly has Caleb's trust".
Wednesday's practice just wrapped. We'll have a full camp report later on, but here are a few quick thoughts:
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) August 13, 2025
- The Caleb to Rome connection was strong today, especially in a RZ period.
- Olamide Zaccheaus shows up every day. Clearly has Caleb's trust.
- Ozzy Trapilo was…
Olamide Zaccheaus Gaining Caleb Williams' Trust
If you've been following Bears training camp reports daily, then Bair's reporting shouldn't be a surprise. Zaccheaus has consistently made plays for Williams and the offense. During joint practice with the Miami Dolphins last week he found himself wide open on the right sideline for a catch where he shook a defender and scored a touchdown.
Caleb Williams rifles a pass to a wide open Olamide Zaccheaus down the right sidelines in 11 on 11s.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 8, 2025
OZ turned on the burners after the catch a shook a DB to get to the end zone. Beautiful throw and route.
That's just one of the many plays the 28-year-old has made during camp. While fans are excited for Burden, head coach Ben Johnson foreshadowed what Zaccheaus could mean for the offense earlier this offseason.
Johnson said, "What [Zacchaeus] shows is elite run after the catch ability. He’s an immense competitor, he’s got some speed… That excites me. We’re going to really emphasize the run after catch, the blocking after catch, of our passing game to gain some hidden yardage that way. He really showed last year that’s an area he excels.”
Though this praise came before the selection of Burden, it should have shown Bears fans Zaccheaus wouldn't be overlooked, even with the addition of the rookie. As the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, Johnson showed he would involve a reliable receiver who can both catch and block. His comments on Zacchaeus clearly point out both of those traits, so his success in the Bears' offense during camp makes sense.
Prior to coming to Chicago, the 28-year-old has proven to be a reliable third receiver when given the chance. In three of his six NFL seasons, Zaccheaus has recorded over 400 yards. That's solid for a player who is likely one of the final progressions on most plays.
Ultimately, Zaccheaus gaining Williams' trust in training camp could mean great things for the Bears' offense in 2025.