ESPN recently labeled Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as a “luxury” player, and for all the right reasons. Having arguably the best WR4 in the NFL is something most fans don’t brag about, but it’s something the Bears offense will tremendously benefit from next season.
ESPN Labels Bears WR Olamide Zaccheaus as a ‘Luxury’ Player
The Unsung Glue Guy
Olamide Zaccheaus
Dec 22, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) runs with the ball past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo (22) after making a catch en route to a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Zaccheaus is not the flashiest name in the wide receiver room. He’s projected to slot under DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and second-round pick Luther Burden III. While Zaccheaus feels more like an afterthought, the reality is he’s an undervalued gem the Bears were able to acquire from the Washington Commanders in free agency this offseason.
At 5’8″ and 193 pounds, he lacks the prototypical build of an elite WR. But what he lacks in size, he makes up for by being an aggressive, willing blocker, as ESPN’s Bill Barnwell states in the article.
“He was effective as both a blocker and receiver on the tunnel and bubble screens the Commanders ran last season; he was also capable of finding holes in coverage out of the slot. He averaged a respectable 1.9 yards per route run last season, just ahead of DK Metcalf (Seahawks) and Jordan Addison (Vikings). And while Zaccheaus is never going to command their sort of target share, the 27-year-old is one of the league’s most effective wideouts without the ball in his hands.”
The Bears’ offense will find ways to use his skill set. And coaches love having a guy like Zaccheaus in the building.
Olamide Zaccheaus pic.twitter.com/CN1MwIZrep
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 14, 2025
More Than Just a Contributor
It’s not just about stats or snap count with Zaccheaus, it’s about culture. His work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to do what’s asked of him are the reasons why he’s been a consistent presence on offense despite being undersized.
While he did have three fumbles last season during punt return duties, the Bears brought in Devin Duvernay, a former two-time Pro Bowl return man and 2021 First Team All-Pro, to take over.
In Chicago, Zaccheaus can focus entirely on what he does best: making plays as a receiver and blocker. Plus, before last season, he only had one fumble in his entire career.
From a roster-building perspective, Zaccheaus as a “luxury” is a compliment. It reflects the fact that the Bears have constructed a receiver room so deep that a player of his caliber is their No. 4 option.
As the Bears aim to reestablish themselves as contenders, they’ll need more than just stars. They’ll need grinders. Which is exactly who Zaccheaus is, and despite flying under the radar, he might end up being one of the smartest offseason pickups in the entire NFL.
Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports