There's been a lot of talk about the performances of Chicago Bears wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and rookie second-round pick Luther Burden III at training camp. One other veteran has been making quiet waves and could end up playing a bigger factor in new head coach Ben Johnson's offense in 2025.
Receiver Olamide Zaccheaus proved his worth in the Miami Dolphins' joint practice on Friday as the veteran got raving reviews from the media.
"Aside from a drop, Olamide Zaccheaus was balling today," ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin said via X. "He's had a great camp so far."
"Olamide Zaccheaus was 13th in the entire NFL in yards after catch per reception," CHSN's Clay Harbor said via X. "He’s gonna make some plays this year. Has made plays week in and week out during camp."
Zaccheaus had his best play captured on camera by the Bears' social media team, scoring a touchdown on the Dolphins' defense. He caught what looked like a crossing route from quarterback Caleb Williams, made two moves on Dolphins defenders, and outran the rest to the end zone for the score.
Movin' and groovin' 🕺 pic.twitter.com/VI6bN8sQs5
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 9, 2025
Zaccheaus could be the secret ingredient to Bears' offense in 2025
The truth is Zaccheaus has always been a reliable third or fourth receiver on every team he has been on. He played his first four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons before spending a year each with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 and last year with the Washington Commanders. Three out of his six NFL seasons Zaccheaus has exceeded over 400 yards and three touchdowns in a season.
While undersized, Zaccheaus has been the perfect slot receiver for any NFL team and appears to be playing the same role in Chicago. Burden is favored to be the starter at slot with Moore and Odunze on the outsides. That doesn't mean Zaccheaus won't see the field as he should be out there as the second slot receiver on four or five wide receiver sets on offense.
Read more: Bears' stifling defense steals the show with first joint practice with Dolphins
Johnson has already seen the importance of having Zaccheaus on the field as well as off the field in showing Burden what an NFL slot receiver looks like. Chicago will be using Zaccheaus often in the offseason and should be a sleeper pick for standout player in 2025.