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The Chicago Bears have been quite active in free agency, addressing the offensive and defensive lines with some big-name signings. But they've also addressed depth at skill positions, including with the recent signing of wider receiver Olamide Zaccheaus to a one-year deal.
Zaccheaus had a career-high 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns last season with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Now, he'll join a Bears receiving room that includes DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, where he'll slot in as the WR3 for quarterback Caleb Williams.
We spoke to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears' new receiver and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.
Bryan Manning: Zaccheaus is a team-first guy. Washington coach Dan Quinn loved OZ. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury loved OZ. The entire team loved him. Early in the year when he wasn’t playing as much, he was always the first on the field to cheer his teammates. A positive guy. As far as what he delivers on the field, he gets open. He’s quicker than fast, which makes him ideal in the slot. Runs excellent routes. Despite his size, is a physical player.
BM: He’s a tremendous route runner. He’s reliable, which makes him perfect for a young quarterback like Caleb Williams. Jayden Daniels trusted Zaccheaus and will miss him too. An ideal slot receiver. He is also great after the catch.
BM: His size limits him. He’s only around 5-foot-8, 190 pounds. He’s strong, though. You aren’t going to get a lot from him if he lines up outside, which is why he’s best suited to play in the slot. Is not the type of receiver who will beat you deep.
BM: He only played for Washington one year. He made an impact, especially late in the season. The Commanders had a glaring lack of receiver options not named Terry McLaurin. When Noah Brown (sorry, Bears fans) went down in Week 11, OZ’s role increased. He took advantage and Daniels trusted him. OZ was especially important in Week 16 and 17 wins over the Eagles and Falcons. He scored two touchdowns against Philly, which had the NFL’s best defense.
BM: You never want to count on Zaccheaus as your No. 1 or No. 2 option. He won’t be that for the Bears. I’ve seen some Chicago fans already saying he’s better than Amon-Ra St. Brown. Please, temper your expectations. That’s not a knock on OZ. I think he’s fantastic, and he’s heading into a perfect situation with the Bears. Chicago has No. 1 and No. 2 options, which means he can slide in as the fourth option on offense, a role where he has an upside of 55-60 receptions. I hate seeing Washington lose him, but Deebo Samuel does many of the things OZ does, only at a higher level. I still think there was room for Zaccheaus, but essentially the Commanders went with Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears to sign Olamide Zaccheaus: What Chicago is getting in new WR
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Zaccheaus had a career-high 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns last season with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Now, he'll join a Bears receiving room that includes DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, where he'll slot in as the WR3 for quarterback Caleb Williams.
We spoke to Bryan Manning of Commanders Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears' new receiver and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.
1. What kind of player are the Bears getting in Olamide Zaccheaus?
Bryan Manning: Zaccheaus is a team-first guy. Washington coach Dan Quinn loved OZ. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury loved OZ. The entire team loved him. Early in the year when he wasn’t playing as much, he was always the first on the field to cheer his teammates. A positive guy. As far as what he delivers on the field, he gets open. He’s quicker than fast, which makes him ideal in the slot. Runs excellent routes. Despite his size, is a physical player.
2. What’s Zaccheaus' biggest strength?
BM: He’s a tremendous route runner. He’s reliable, which makes him perfect for a young quarterback like Caleb Williams. Jayden Daniels trusted Zaccheaus and will miss him too. An ideal slot receiver. He is also great after the catch.
3. Where does Zaccheaus struggle?
BM: His size limits him. He’s only around 5-foot-8, 190 pounds. He’s strong, though. You aren’t going to get a lot from him if he lines up outside, which is why he’s best suited to play in the slot. Is not the type of receiver who will beat you deep.
4. What impact did Zaccheaus have during his time with the Commanders?
BM: He only played for Washington one year. He made an impact, especially late in the season. The Commanders had a glaring lack of receiver options not named Terry McLaurin. When Noah Brown (sorry, Bears fans) went down in Week 11, OZ’s role increased. He took advantage and Daniels trusted him. OZ was especially important in Week 16 and 17 wins over the Eagles and Falcons. He scored two touchdowns against Philly, which had the NFL’s best defense.
5. Why do you think Zaccheaus could be a good fit for the Bears?
BM: You never want to count on Zaccheaus as your No. 1 or No. 2 option. He won’t be that for the Bears. I’ve seen some Chicago fans already saying he’s better than Amon-Ra St. Brown. Please, temper your expectations. That’s not a knock on OZ. I think he’s fantastic, and he’s heading into a perfect situation with the Bears. Chicago has No. 1 and No. 2 options, which means he can slide in as the fourth option on offense, a role where he has an upside of 55-60 receptions. I hate seeing Washington lose him, but Deebo Samuel does many of the things OZ does, only at a higher level. I still think there was room for Zaccheaus, but essentially the Commanders went with Noah Brown and K.J. Osborn.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears to sign Olamide Zaccheaus: What Chicago is getting in new WR
Continue reading...
