The Indianapolis Colts have added some much-needed help to the safety positions, signing Cowboys’ free agent Jonathan Owens.
Here are three things to know about the Colts’ recent addition at safety.
What will Jonathan Owens’ role be with the Colts?
Just like with Juanyeh Thomas, that’s the big question right now. What we know as of now is that Owens should provide special teams with a boost. Over his career, he has played over 1,000 snaps and contributed to five of the six different phases.
However, defensively, what role Owens carves out remains to be seen. Given the lack of experience on the depth chart outside of Cam Bynum, Owens should have the opportunity to compete for snaps, and as a veteran with 35 career starts, that could give him an upper hand in any competition.
Of note, most of Owens’ snaps have come at free safety, according to PFF. Ideally, pairing a box presence with Bynum may be what the Colts are looking for, although versatility is coveted in Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Insight from Bears Wire
Alyssa Barbieri, the managing editor of Bears Wire, shared some insights with us on Owens and his impact with the Bears over the last two seasons.
“Owens spent the last two years in Chicago where he primarily served as a reserve safety with the Bears, and he didn’t see the field often on defense. His biggest defensive season came in 2024 when he started five games after Jaquan Brisker suffered a season-ending concussion. But Owens’ biggest contributions came on special teams, where he played 58% of Chicago’s kicking downs in 2025.” – Alyssa Barbieri
The safety position still has its question marks
The depth and overall competition have improved here. Owens will be entering his eighth NFL season and has made 35 career starts. He brings some needed experience. Thomas, meanwhile, is still just 25 years old and has upside that the Colts will try to unlock.
Can either player start next to Bynum? Maybe. Or maybe not. But Chris Ballard shouldn’t bank on one of these players, or Hunter Wohler, emerging. He should continue to add competition to help elevate the floor of this unit.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 observations from Colts’ signing veteran S Jonathan Owens
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
