The Tight End Trifecta: Ben Johnson’s Bold Vision for the Bears
If you’ve been following the Chicago Bears’ offseason moves, one thing immediately stands out: Ben Johnson’s obsession with tight ends. Personally, I think this fascination goes beyond mere strategy—it’s a philosophical shift in how he envisions the modern NFL offense. Let’s break it down.
The Pattern That Can’t Be Ignored
Ben Johnson’s affinity for tight ends isn’t new. Over the past four years, he’s drafted three of them, including a 2nd-round pick in 2023 (Sam LaPorta) and a 1st-round pick in 2025 (Colston Loveland). What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing of his latest move: the rumored interest in Utah’s Dallen Bentley. On the surface, it seems counterintuitive. Why add another tight end when you already have Loveland and Cole Kmet? But if you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about depth—it’s about redefining the role of the tight end in the offense.
What many people don’t realize is that Johnson’s approach isn’t just about stacking talent; it’s about creating mismatches. The Bears are already among the league leaders in 12 personnel (two tight ends), but adding a third could unlock a whole new dimension. Imagine defenses trying to cover three versatile tight ends who can block, catch, and create space in the middle of the field. This raises a deeper question: Is Johnson trying to pioneer a new offensive trend?
The Bentley Buzz: More Than Just a Name
Dallen Bentley isn’t a household name yet, but his skill set is intriguing. A former JUCO transfer, he broke out last season with 640 yards and six touchdowns. What this really suggests is that Johnson sees potential in players who may not be polished route-runners but have the physical tools and football IQ to thrive in his system. Bentley’s similarities to Kmet—reliable hands, zone-beating ability, and blocking prowess—make him a natural fit.
In my opinion, Bentley isn’t just a third tight end; he’s a chess piece. Johnson could use him in 13 personnel (three tight ends) to force defenses into heavier formations, opening up opportunities for the Bears’ speedy receivers. It’s a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but one that aligns with Johnson’s bold coaching style.
The Bigger Picture: A Tight End Revolution?
This obsession with tight ends isn’t just about the Bears—it’s part of a broader trend in the NFL. Teams are increasingly valuing positionless players who can do it all. From my perspective, Johnson is ahead of the curve. By investing heavily in tight ends, he’s not just building a roster; he’s creating a system that could redefine offensive football.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this approach contrasts with the league’s recent focus on speed and spread offenses. Johnson seems to be betting on physicality and versatility instead. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this could impact the Bears’ running game. With three tight ends on the field, defenses will be forced to stack the box, creating more opportunities for Justin Fields to exploit single coverage.
The Risks and Rewards
Of course, this strategy isn’t without risks. Drafting another tight end means passing on other positions of need, like the offensive line or secondary. Personally, I think this is a calculated gamble. Johnson believes in his system, and he’s willing to double down on it. But if it doesn’t work, the criticism will be loud.
What this really suggests is that Johnson is playing the long game. He’s not just building for next season; he’s building for the next five years. If his vision pans out, the Bears could become the blueprint for how offenses are constructed in the future.
Final Thoughts: A Bold Experiment Worth Watching
In the end, Ben Johnson’s tight end obsession is more than just a quirk—it’s a statement. He’s saying that in a league obsessed with speed and gadget plays, physicality and versatility still matter. From my perspective, this is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season.
If you ask me, the Bears are either on the verge of something revolutionary or a cautionary tale about overcommitting to a single position. Either way, it’s going to be fascinating to watch. As Johnson once said, ‘Football is a game of mismatches.’ With three tight ends on the field, he’s creating mismatches that no defense has ever seen before. Let’s see if it pays off.
