Packers to sign S Jonathan Owens

Green Bay has made a depth addition on the backend. After four years in Houston, Jonathan Owens has signed a deal with the Packers, reports Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 (Twitter link).

Owens originally joined the Cardinals as a UDFA in 2018, but his only regular-season appearances to date have come with the Texans. The 27-year-old played all but exclusively on special teams during his first two seasons in the NFL, but he took on a rotational defensive role in 2021. That was followed by another increase in usage on that side of the ball.

The Missouri Western State alum was a full-time starter in Houston in 2023, logging a defensive snap share of 83%. He converted that spike in playing time into career-highs in tackles (125), pass deflections (four) and sacks (one). Owens struggled in coverage, however, allowing three touchdowns and a passer rating of 128.5 as the closest defender. That led in part to a PFF rating of 48.3, the lowest of his career.

In Green Bay, Owens will look to occupy a depth role at the safety spot. That position has seen the addition of Tarvarius Moore in free agency, but veteran Adrian Amos remains unsigned. The latter is on the radar of the Ravens, though a Packers reunion could still be in the cards. Former first-rounder Darnell Savage, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his contract and faces an uncertain future with the team, so further shuffling at the position could be coming in 2024 as well.

Owens will not be in line for a repeat of his starting duties (at least barring injuries) in Green Bay, but his experience on special teams could make him a regular contributor in his new home. Should the team face availability issues higher up the depth chart, Owens could also step into the first team as he did last season.