Jonathan

Owens

The Colts also signed Owens, formerly of the Bears, to a one-year contract. The Colts last S Nick Cross and backup S Rodney Thomas in free agency. Juanyeh Thomas, 25, played a career-high 294 defensive snaps last year and 110 special teams snaps. He earned a 69.0 PFF run-defense grade, an elite 90.6 PFF special teams grade and could compete for Cross’ vacated starting strong safety role. Owens, 30, played just 47 snaps on defense, but earned an 89.4 PFF special teams grade on 265 special teams snaps. At worst, the Colts added two difference makers to their special teams unit.

Owens becomes the second safety to join the Bears after they reached a deal with Kevin Byard earlier in the week. Owens is listed as a free safety but has also played significant snaps at strong safety, making for a versatile piece in Matt Eberflus’ defense. In his lone season with the Packers, Owens totaled 84 tackles and two TFLs. He has started 28 of the last 34 games he’s appeared in since 2022.