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NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) drops a touchdown pass during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears free agent signing may already be on notice ahead of the NFL Draft

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 2:00 PM ET

The Chicago Bears‘ wide receiving corps could look significantly different after the NFL Draft than it does today and certainly than it did when the team walked off the field in Green Bay to close the 2024 campaign.

Given Keenan Allen’s uncertain future as free agency continues, and the possibility that the Bears prioritize taking a receiver in one of the early rounds of the upcoming draft to boost quarterback Caleb Williams’ arsenal, receiver could be a position in a bit of flux behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze.

One of the Bears’ offseason additions may also struggle to carve out a role–perhaps even to make the roster, depending on Chicago’s course at the position during the draft.

Is Chicago Bears WR addition already on notice?

The Bears signed wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million earlier this offseason, and if the season opened today he would be Chicago’s No. 3 wide receiver.

However, Zaccheaus, 27, could wind up being supplanted by an incoming rookie, especially if Chicago takes a receiver early on in the draft.

“The Bears signed Zaccheaus to compete for starter’s reps as a slot receiver,” Bryan Perez writes for Chicago Bears on SI. “But rumors have been swirling around Chicago targeting a potential inside pass catcher in the second round.

“Rookie wide receivers tend to experience a bit of a learning curve once they enter the NFL, so Zaccheaus would still have a chance to make his mark early in 2025. But if the Bears use the 39th or 41st pick on a wideout, his time as a starter will be short-lived.”

NFL: NFC Championship Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles NFL: NFC Championship Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts after a play with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

caught 45 passes for 506 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 11.2 yards per reception last season. Given that Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels posted a 112.7 passer rating when targeting Zaccheaus, it’s easy to see why general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears wanted to drop him into Cleb Williams’ supporting cast.

However, if the Bears wind up targeting Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins, Texas’ Matthew Golden, or even TCU’s Jack Bech, Zaccheaus’ role and roster spot could ultimately wind up in jeapoardy.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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