The Chicago Bears are increasing their use of tight ends in their offensive scheme, with head coach Ben Johnson deploying multiple players at the position to add versatility and unpredictability. This strategy includes using three tight ends simultaneously, a formation known as "13 personnel," which features one wide receiver and a running back alongside three tight ends on the field.

This approach has gained traction in the NFL, notably popularized by the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay, who led the league last season with 330 three-tight-end sets. The Bears ranked fifth in that category with 94. Johnson aims to elevate Chicago’s offense now that he has key pieces largely acquired under his tenure, including veteran Cole Kmet, who recently signed a $50 million extension, Michigan’s Colston Loveland, drafted 10th overall last year, and Stanford’s Sam Roush, selected 69th overall this year.

Each tight end brings distinct skills that complement Johnson’s tactical vision. Kmet is recognized for proficiency across all aspects of the position, Loveland is a strong receiver who can block effectively, and Roush, while primarily an in-line blocking tight end, also demonstrated receiving ability with 49 catches for 545 yards during his senior year at Stanford. Using all three tight ends together on the field creates a formation with eight blockers, signaling a likely running play and forcing defenses out of nickel packages into base coverage, which features more linebackers and linemen but fewer defensive backs.

Johnson highlighted how NFL defenses have increasingly adopted nickel packages, making it necessary for offenses to find ways to attack base defenses. The three-tight-end set provides this flexibility, allowing the Bears to vary formations and make their offensive plays difficult to predict. It expands the offensive line by adding blockers, enabling more effective run blocking by creating double teams and providing wider running lanes.

In passing situations, the three tight ends offer diverse options. Play-action passes become more deceptive as the formation naturally suggests a run, giving tight ends opportunities to slip into open routes downfield. When defenses respond by matching heavy personnel to stop the run, the Bears can align tight ends wide for advantageous one-on-one matchups against slower defenders. Johnson further complicates defensive reads by incorporating pre-snap motion, adding an additional layer of complexity for opponents.

Players like right guard Jonah Jackson have praised the increased blocking power this scheme provides, describing it as advantageous in controlling defensive linemen. Defensive teammates, including linebacker Devin Bush, acknowledge the challenges it presents, noting the use of motion and versatile tight ends creates a “guessing game” for opponents.

The Bears have been actively working on the 13 personnel look in training camp, and while the offensive system is still evolving, it promises to become a more sophisticated and potent weapon. The team’s commitment to this strategy reflects a broader NFL trend toward flexible, multi-tight end formations designed to maximize offensive unpredictability and efficiency.