New Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus points to 'connection' as tip for success with Caleb Williams and the offense.
(Photo: Geoff Burke , USA TODAY Sports)
LAKE FOREST, Ill., — With the hiring of Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears moved to an offensive-minded head coach and one who was a hot name in NFL circles over the past few years due to what he was able to do with the Detroit Lions. It's safe to say that Chicago's offense will look a lot different in 2025 and as they prepare for the season, they are making some additions.
That includes signing wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
The former Virginia speedster is entering his seventh season in the NFL and spent 2024 with the Washington Commanders where he became a legit target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two connected 45 times for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the year. Now, the hope is that he can build that connection with another young quarterback in Caleb Williams.
"The biggest thing is just the connection. That was one thing that, prided ourselves on doing is just being able to connect as quickly as possible," Zaccheaus. "That's how you really take off. The connection throughout the building, not just from player to player, player to coach, coach to players – but media team to player, player to chef, training room, everybody in the building has to connect as fast as possible. Then we'll see what that takes us, but that puts you in the best position to be able to have success."
As a veteran, Zaccheaus provided a reliable target for Daniels as did Terry McLaurin. Having that is beneficial for any quarterback, especially a young one and the sooner Williams can develop that connection and trust with his new receiver the better.
Zaccheaus also points to the mental aspect of things for the quarterback position.
"The biggest thing I think is just, the mental aspect of it for any young quarterback, especially Caleb. He has all the talent that you need to be a top-tier quarterback in the league. A lot of it's just going to be the mental aspect of it and kind of just slowing the game down."
That's something that Williams will have to work on this offseason as it looked like at times things were a little too fast in his rookie season. Johnson can help with that as well and should be a goal for both parties.
Chicago's plan continues to be to build around their young quarterback, as it should be. And getting the right pieces in here will be the key. Time will tell if Ryan Poles and Johnson are making the right moves.
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