After opening free agency with a focus on the trenches, Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have shifted their attention to the skill positions.
The newest Bears' additions figure to give Caleb Williams a boost on offense. The Bears have signed former Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus to a one-year deal.
Bears find their Keenan allen replacement with latest free-agent signing.
With Keenan Allen an unrestricted free agent, the Bears were in the market for a slot receiver. Traditionally, the slot receiver in Ben Johnson's offense has been used as an additional blocker. Still, like in the case of Tim Patrick with the Lions last season, they can play a factor in the passing game.
With DJ Moore and Rome Odunze all but certain to open the 2025 season as the Bears' starting wide receivers, Zaccheaus is likely the leading candidate to play in the slot. With the Commanders last season, Zaccheaus totaled 506 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns on 45 receptions. Zaccheaus also spent part of the 2024 season as the Commanders' punt returner, so the may be an early candidate to have the same role with the Bears.
Zaccheaus' signing should all but confirm Allen will not be returning to the Bears. In a similar sense, it remains unlikely that the Bears will be a suitor for Cooper Kupp.
Beyond the external options, Zaccheaus' signing is not a good sign for Tyler Scott. In many ways, Zaccheaus' profile is what the Bears had in mind when they drafted Scott in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Scott was viewed as a potential deep threat at the time of his selection but has struggled with the primary function of catching the ball.
Zaccheaus' signing also shouldn't rule out the Bears taking a wide receiver during the 2025 NFL Draft. Not that wide receiver is a major need for the Bears but the team may want to keep building depth at the position under Johnson's vision.