Ben Johnson, embarking on his inaugural head coaching journey with the Chicago Bears, has meticulously assembled a coaching staff rich with astute minds, drawing significant inspiration from established head coaches across the league. His philosophical approach to building an offense and what he aims to achieve in Chicago unmistakably echoes the strategic brilliance often associated with Sean Payton, a strong influence on Johnson’s emerging style.

The connections to the “Sean Payton Tree” are evident, with multiple assistants on Johnson’s staff originating from this lineage. Johnson himself gained invaluable insight into Payton’s offensive principles during his tenure under head coach Dan Campbell in Detroit, where he absorbed the nuances of a system designed for versatile, impactful playmaking.

For those intimately familiar with Sean Payton’s offensive schemes, the concept of the “joker” role is a foundational element. A joker is unequivocally a hybrid player, possessing the unique ability to line up across various formations and pose a dual threat as both a formidable runner and a reliable receiver, maximizing offensive flexibility and creating mismatches.

Historically, the “joker” designation has extended to the tight end position, as famously demonstrated by Payton’s innovative deployment of players like Jeremy Shockey and Jimmy Graham, who transcended traditional tight end roles to become dynamic offensive weapons. This precedent underscores the potential for unconventional usage within such a system, hinting at Johnson’s potential creativity with his players.

As anticipation built around Ben Johnson’s offensive deployment for the Bears, many speculated on obvious candidates for the “joker” role, including dynamic talents such as DJ Moore, D’Andre Swift, Luther Burden III, Colston Loveland, or even Rome Odunze. However, in a surprising turn, Johnson ultimately revealed that the player he envisioned for this pivotal role was none other than veteran tight end Cole Kmet.

Despite the high-profile integration of first-round selection Colston Loveland into the starting offense during the initial week of training camp, Kmet had remained a relatively quiet presence on the practice field. Yet, Johnson’s revelation underscores that Kmet’s capabilities should not be underestimated, signaling a deliberate and significant plan for the seasoned tight end within the new Chicago Bears offense.

Ben Johnson’s strategic vision for Cole Kmet is truly compelling, suggesting a dramatic shift from his historical usage. In his five seasons, Kmet has logged only 390 career snaps lined up out wide, with Sports Info Solutions reporting a mere 13 routes run on the outside and 11 receptions over that period. Johnson’s reputation as a creative play-caller promises to unlock Kmet’s untapped potential, offering him unprecedented opportunities to showcase his versatility across various alignments.

This philosophy of positional fluidity isn’t exclusive to Kmet, as other players, including Loveland, have noted the coaching staff’s emphasis on learning the offense “conceptually” to maximize adaptability. Johnson clearly views his offense as a sophisticated chessboard, with each player representing a distinct piece capable of attacking a defense from multiple angles, ensuring dynamic and unpredictable play.

The upcoming first preseason game will offer the initial glimpse into the true manifestation of this strategic offensive blueprint for all the Bears’ skill players. One certainty remains: Ben Johnson possesses a meticulously clear and innovative plan for how he intends to exploit Cole Kmet’s unique talents within this evolving and exciting new offensive scheme.