Introduction
Olamide Zaccheaus — standing at just 5’8″ but towering in heart and hustle — has emerged as one of the NFL’s most underrated wide receivers. From his record-setting college career at the University of Virginia, through a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, to now signing a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, Zaccheaus’s journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability.
College: Virginia Cavaliers Legend
Zaccheaus’s football journey took off at the University of Virginia, where he played from 2015 to 2018. Over these four seasons, he appeared in 50 games and rewrote the Cavaliers’ record books:
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250 career receptions, the most in program history
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2,753 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns
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In his junior year (2017): 85 catches for 895 yards and five TDs; Second-Team All-ACC honors
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In his senior year (2018): led the ACC with 93 receptions, 1,058 yards, and nine touchdowns, earning First-Team All-ACC
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MVP of the 2018 Belk Bowl, with 12 catches, 100 yards, and three TDs in his final college game Wikipedia
His consistent excellence made him one of the most dependable receivers in UVA history — and one of the most productive underdogs in ACC lore.
Eagles: A Brief Stop
Despite his college dominance, Zaccheaus went undrafted in 2019, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. His path then led him to the Philadelphia Eagles on April 20, 2023, via a one-year deal. That Eagles season proved quiet:
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Played all 17 games but recorded only 10 receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns.
His time in Philadelphia didn’t showcase his full potential, but it was a brief pivot in his evolving career.
One-Year Deal with the Bears: New Opportunity
On March 17, 2025, Zaccheaus inked a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, bringing veteran savvy and versatility to the receiving corps.
Why Chicago?
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Bears Coaching Appeal: Zaccheaus cited his excitement over head coach Ben Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes, describing them as creative and highly productive — attributes that drew him to Chicago.
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Leadership & Culture: As a seven-year veteran, he emphasized his ability to contribute both on the field and in building locker-room culture. Johnson expects precision and discipline — traits Zaccheaus embodies.
Contract Highlights
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Terms: 1-year, $1.5 million deal, including a $150K signing bonus and $750K guaranteed.
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Cap Impact: $1.5M salary cap charge in 2025 (~0.5% of cap).
Career Recap to Date
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89 NFL games, 30 starts across four pro seasons (Falcons, Eagles, Commanders).
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149 career receptions, 1,998 yards, and 13 receiving touchdowns.
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2024 with the Commanders: best single-season numbers — 45 receptions, 506 yards, and three touchdowns; also excelled on special teams with a 10.5-yard punt return average (second best in NFC among those with at least 15 returns).
Why This Move Matters — Strategic Fit for Chicago
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Perfect fit for Ben Johnson’s offense
Zaccheaus brings sharp route-running and positional awareness — the kind of nuanced detail Johnson values — increasing the Bears’ offensive flexibility. -
Mentorship for Young QB(s)
Chicago’s receiving corps can rely on Zaccheaus’s steadiness and experience to mentor younger players and help stabilize the passing game. -
Special Teams Edge
His ability as a punt returner adds an extra dimension; he posted one of the league’s top averages in 2024. -
Low-risk, high-reward contract
The modest 1-year deal leaves plenty of cap room while offering upside — if he performs, Chicago could benefit big; if not, they move on with minimal financial pain.
Career Timeline at a Glance
| Year | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–18 | Virginia Cavaliers (College) | Record receptions, ACC honors, Belk Bowl MVP |
| 2019–22 | Atlanta Falcons (NFL) | Entered as UDFA; steadily grew into productive receiver |
| 2023 | Philadelphia Eagles | One-year stint: minor role with 10 catches, 164 yard |
| 2024 | Washington Commanders | Career-high production; key contributor in offense & special team |
| 2025 | Chicago Bears | Signed one-year deal; expected to add depth, experience, and mentorship |
Final Thoughts: A Chance for Resurgence
Olamide Zaccheaus’s path — from record-setter at Virginia, through a muted Eagles tenure, and now into a crucial role in Chicago — illustrates the journey of a resilient athlete. His precision, leadership, and special teams value make him more than just a depth signing; he could become a catalyst in the Bears’ passing offense under Ben Johnson.
Will this one-year deal be the springboard Zaccheaus needs to re-establish himself as a reliable veteran presence? All signs point to yes — and Bears fans have a lot to be excited about this season.
