The Indianapolis Colts have taken decisive steps to reinforce their safety position for the 2026 NFL season by signing veterans Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas to one-year contracts. These signings, confirmed on March 13, 2026, bring both established experience and athletic potential to a group undergoing transition following offseason departures.
Jonathan Owens: Veteran Stability and Special Teams Expertise
Jonathan Owens joins the Colts as a seasoned safety with seven full NFL seasons under his belt, entering his eighth. Owens, who went undrafted out of Missouri Western, has carved out a reputation as a reliable backup safety and a core contributor on special teams. His career includes multiple starting stints, notably with the Green Bay Packers in 2023, where he started 11 games and compiled 84 tackles, three passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Known for his physical style of play and versatility, Owens offers the Colts dependable depth and leadership. He is valued not only for his defensive snaps but also for his extensive special teams experience, having accumulated over 1,000 special teams snaps in his career. His signing fits the Colts' strategy under General Manager Chris Ballard of acquiring proven role players on one-year, team-friendly deals to maintain roster flexibility.
Juanyeh Thomas: Athletic Upside and Developmental Potential
Juanyeh Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 217-pound safety, was an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech in 2023. After spending his first three NFL seasons with the Dallas Cowboys primarily as a special teams contributor, Thomas brings impressive size and raw athletic traits to Indianapolis. His college tape reveals a player with strong range and the ability to make impactful plays in coverage and run support.
Thomas's challenge has been translating his physical tools into consistent defensive snaps at the NFL level, an opportunity the Colts hope to provide. Defensive backs coach Ron Milus and the staff will work closely to develop his technique and instincts, aiming to elevate him beyond a special teams role. The Colts view Thomas as a high-upside investment who can compete for rotational defensive snaps while contributing immediately on special teams.
Addressing Departures and Building Depth
The Colts' safety room saw significant turnover during the 2026 offseason, with notable departures of key players such as Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas. Adding Owens and Juanyeh Thomas helps replenish the position group with versatile, NFL-ready players capable of contributing on defense and special teams. These moves ensure Indianapolis has a solid baseline of experience as it enters the draft period.
This strategy aligns with the Colts' draft philosophy, whereby established veterans fill immediate gaps, allowing the team to remain patient in selecting developmental players. With seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft--highlighted by the 47th overall selection in the second round but no first-round pick--the Colts maintain flexibility to address the best available talent without reaching to fill safety.
Draft and Roster Context
The Colts' 2026 draft capital focuses on balancing roster needs across various positions including defense, wide receiver, and offensive line. The safety group's depth, reinforced by Owens and Thomas, means Indianapolis can afford to prioritize other positions early without sacrificing competitiveness or experience in the secondary. Younger safeties on the roster will still face competition, ensuring a meritocratic battle in training camp.
Coaching Staff and Scheme Fit
Head Coach Shane Steichen and Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley, along with Defensive Backs Coach Ron Milus, will integrate Owens and Thomas into a defensive scheme that values versatility and physicality. Owens's experience as a box safety fits Bradley's preference for players who can support against the run and cover tight ends, while Thomas's length and athleticism provide options in sub-packages and special teams roles.
Looking Ahead to Training Camp Battles
As the Colts prepare for their 2026 training camp in Westfield, the safety position figures to be one of the most competitive. Owens and Thomas's one-year deals present both players with the urgency to perform and earn significant roles, creating a healthy competitive atmosphere alongside returning players. Special teams will be a critical avenue for immediate contributions, with defensive snaps an attainable goal based on progression.
Overall, the signings of Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas are measured, strategic additions that enhance the Colts' secondary depth and special teams units. While not headline-grabbing signings, they reflect Chris Ballard's careful team-building philosophy of combining veteran presence with developmental potential. As the Colts continue assembling their roster for the 2026 campaign, these moves lay a foundational layer of stability and competition crucial for long-term success.