The Indianapolis Colts have officially signed veteran safety Jonathan Owens to a one-year contract, adding depth and experience to their secondary as the 2026 NFL season approaches. The team confirmed the signing on March 13, 2026, marking a strategic move to bolster both defensive versatility and special teams reliability.
Owens, 30, enters his eighth NFL season bringing 82 career games of professional experience. Over the course of his career, he has made contributions primarily as a special teams standout and rotational defensive back. Owens's journey through the league has included stints with the Houston Texans (2019-2022), Green Bay Packers (2023), and most recently the Chicago Bears (2024-2025).
A Veteran Ready to Contribute
Originally an undrafted free agent from Missouri Western in 2018, Owens's persistence and work ethic have earned him a steady role across multiple teams. After spending his rookie year on injured reserve with the Arizona Cardinals, Owens found his footing with the Texans, evolving from a practice squad player into a reliable special teams asset. His best season came in 2022 with Houston, when he started 17 games and recorded a career-high 125 combined tackles, four passes defended, one interception, and a forced fumble.
Following his successful run in Houston, Owens signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers for the 2023 season, appearing in all 17 games and notching 84 tackles while starting four contests. In Chicago, Owens played 16 games over two seasons and added 34 tackles in a primarily special teams role. Across seven NFL seasons, he has totaled 278 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 passes defended.
For Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, Owens represents a low-risk, high-value acquisition. His extensive special teams experience combined with situational defensive roles offers the Colts a dependable backup safety who can step in seamlessly as needed, while mentoring younger players in the secondary.
Filling a Key Need in the Secondary
The Colts' safety group has a strong blend of youth and promise but lacked veteran depth entering free agency. Young safeties Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II have flashed potential but remain in the process of finding consistent footing at the NFL level. Veteran Julian Blackmon, a key defensive leader, is currently a free agent, creating a potential gap in experience and leadership within the room.
Owens is not expected to replicate Blackmon's playmaking style but brings a stout, physical presence in run defense--an area Indianapolis's defense under coordinator Gus Bradley has prioritized. Bradley, retained as the Colts' defensive coordinator for 2026, runs a scheme demanding versatile safeties capable of playing aggressively in various coverage and run support roles. Owens's tackling ability and adaptability mesh well with those requirements.
The Colts also benefit from Owens's knowledge of the AFC South, having spent four seasons with the Texans. This familiarity may aid in preparation and in-game adjustments against divisional opponents.
Special Teams Impact
Perhaps the most immediate contribution Owens brings is on special teams, an area the Colts have looked to improve following inconsistency in coverage units last season. Owens is a seasoned veteran on kickoff and punt coverage, known for his ability to correctly execute assignments, shed blocks, and use speed to limit opponent returns.
Special teams coordinator Zac Robinson will gain a reliable "core four" player in Owens, allowing younger defensive backs and rookies to focus more on developing their roles within the defense. Veteran presence on special teams often correlates directly with better unit performance, and Owens fits the profile Colts management was seeking.
The Personal Side: A High-Profile Partnership
Jonathan Owens's personal life draws attention beyond the gridiron due to his marriage to Olympic gymnastics legend Simone Biles. Biles, widely recognized as the greatest gymnast in history, is a prominent advocate for athletes' mental health and resilience. Their relationship has been prominently covered in media and social platforms, including her enthusiastic support following Owens's signing with the Colts.
While this media profile is somewhat unique for a depth defensive back, Owens has maintained focus on his football career, consistently emphasizing his role as a professional athlete separate from his wife's global stature. In Indianapolis, a sports-conscious city with strong community values, Owens and Biles are expected to be embraced warmly by fans and local media alike.
Looking to the Future
Though not a headline-generating signing, Jonathan Owens's addition represents the Colts' methodical approach to roster building: acquiring reliable veterans who can contribute immediately, push competition, and mentor younger players. He will compete with players like Trevor Denbow and potential rookies for snaps in the safety rotation.
This signing also preserves salary cap flexibility, as Owens has reportedly agreed to a team-friendly one-year contract. It is a prudent move, enabling the Colts to add depth without committing significant resources, a hallmark of Chris Ballard's roster management style.
As the team prepares for the upcoming training camp and the 2026 campaign, Owens's presence should solidify the Colts' secondary depth chart and enhance special teams performance--two key components in the relentless grind of an NFL season. In close games and challenging moments, experienced role players like Owens often make a difference.
For Colts fans, Owens's signing signals pragmatic optimism--a step toward building a balanced and competitive roster equipped to navigate the physical and strategic demands of the AFC South.
