- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 366,088
- Reaction score
- 43
Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has departed the Washington Commanders.
Zaccheaus will not be wearing burgundy and gold in the 2025 season, as the veteran receiver signed with the Chicago Bears on Thursday. The former Virginia Cavalier enjoyed an NFL career high in 2024, playing with Jayden Daniels in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. In his sixth NFL season and first with the Commanders, Zaccheaus caught 45 passes for 506 yards (11.2 YPR) for three receiving touchdowns and 26 receiving first downs.
The Bears evidently liked Zaccheaus and pursued him, believing he could be another weapon for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams was very much up and down in 2024, but he left no question that he is more than enough of an athlete, possessing running strength, running mobility, and arm strength.
What does losing Zaccheaus mean for the Commanders? Zaccheaus was a pleasant surprise in 2024 with his 45 receptions. It should not be overlooked that Zaccheaus was the third-leading Commanders' receiver in 2024 behind only Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz.
Yet, on the same day the Commanders were not re-signing Zaccheaus, they were re-signing receivers K.J. Osborn and Noah Brown. Starting with Brown, he was more than willing to block on the edge and downfield last season, doing what he could to help the Commanders' running game. Brown also effectively beat opposing defensive backs and drew defensive pass interference penalties. Brown returning with McLaurin and Deebo Samuel gives Kingsbury three physical receivers who are unafraid and willing to block and get their hands dirty.
Turning 28 in June, Osborn was released by the Patriots after seven games last season and quickly claimed by Commanders GM Adam Peters. But Osborn was often placed on the inactive list, only appearing in a single Commanders' game.
Notably, in 2021-23, Osborn had three consecutive productive seasons of 50, 60, and 48 receptions. In addition, fervent Commanders fans will recall Brown displaying size and strength, making tough catches in traffic and being willing to play physically in the run game and special teams. Can Osborn replicate his production of the 2021-23 seasons? That will be uncertain going into training camp, and it is up to Osborn to prove himself again in the NFL.
Finally, not to be entirely missed is Luke McCaffrey who will only be in his fourth season of football playing the receiver position. While at Rice University, McCaffrey was converted from quarterback to receiver and learned the new position his final two years as a Rice Owl. Therefore, 2025 could also be a growing year for McCaffrey, too.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Bears sign former Commanders WR Olamide Zaccheaus
Continue reading...
Zaccheaus will not be wearing burgundy and gold in the 2025 season, as the veteran receiver signed with the Chicago Bears on Thursday. The former Virginia Cavalier enjoyed an NFL career high in 2024, playing with Jayden Daniels in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. In his sixth NFL season and first with the Commanders, Zaccheaus caught 45 passes for 506 yards (11.2 YPR) for three receiving touchdowns and 26 receiving first downs.
The Bears evidently liked Zaccheaus and pursued him, believing he could be another weapon for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams was very much up and down in 2024, but he left no question that he is more than enough of an athlete, possessing running strength, running mobility, and arm strength.
What does losing Zaccheaus mean for the Commanders? Zaccheaus was a pleasant surprise in 2024 with his 45 receptions. It should not be overlooked that Zaccheaus was the third-leading Commanders' receiver in 2024 behind only Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz.
Yet, on the same day the Commanders were not re-signing Zaccheaus, they were re-signing receivers K.J. Osborn and Noah Brown. Starting with Brown, he was more than willing to block on the edge and downfield last season, doing what he could to help the Commanders' running game. Brown also effectively beat opposing defensive backs and drew defensive pass interference penalties. Brown returning with McLaurin and Deebo Samuel gives Kingsbury three physical receivers who are unafraid and willing to block and get their hands dirty.
Turning 28 in June, Osborn was released by the Patriots after seven games last season and quickly claimed by Commanders GM Adam Peters. But Osborn was often placed on the inactive list, only appearing in a single Commanders' game.
Notably, in 2021-23, Osborn had three consecutive productive seasons of 50, 60, and 48 receptions. In addition, fervent Commanders fans will recall Brown displaying size and strength, making tough catches in traffic and being willing to play physically in the run game and special teams. Can Osborn replicate his production of the 2021-23 seasons? That will be uncertain going into training camp, and it is up to Osborn to prove himself again in the NFL.
Finally, not to be entirely missed is Luke McCaffrey who will only be in his fourth season of football playing the receiver position. While at Rice University, McCaffrey was converted from quarterback to receiver and learned the new position his final two years as a Rice Owl. Therefore, 2025 could also be a growing year for McCaffrey, too.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Bears sign former Commanders WR Olamide Zaccheaus
Continue reading...
