How Jonathan Owens Impacts the Bears Depth Chart

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $4.75 million with free-agent defensive back Jonathan Owens on Tuesday afternoon. Owens now joins an ascending defensive backs room that features Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, and a new veteran leader in Kevin Byard. Researching how Owens was deployed by the Bears’ NFC North rival Green Bay Packers offers a hint into how Chicago will utilize his skill set.

The #Bears have agreed to terms with DB Jonathan Owens on a two-year deal, according to his agent @SunnyTheAgent. Owens had 84 tackles in his one season with the #Packers after spending the first four years of his career with the #Texans. pic.twitter.com/nR0Na0zpoV

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2024

Owens totaled 84 tackles for the Packers last season. In 2022, he accumulated a personal-high 125 tackles with the Houston Texans. That type of tackle production insinuates Owens does his best work when aligned near the line of scrimmage.

Pro Football Focus credits Owens with playing 322 snaps in the box last season. The versatile Owens also played 434 snaps as a traditional free safety, and added a notable 137 snaps as a nickel corner. Owens’ ability to play multiple positions will give defensive minded head coach Matt Eberflus options.

A deeper dive into Owens’ usage shows that the majority of his in-the-box snaps occurred at LLB (91). He also played heavy snaps at RLB (73), SSL (64) and SSR (62). Owens will move around the defensive formation as Eberflus deems necessary.

Owens’ effectiveness wanes the further away he gets from the line of scrimmage. Opposing quarterbacks enjoyed a passer rating of 115.8 when targeting him in coverage. Owens was credited with allowing a chain-moving 10 yards per reception.

That shouldn’t be a concern in Chicago. The Bears roster two ball-hawking safeties in Brisker and Byard that are capable of playing in single-high or two-high approaches. Brisker and Byard will handle the majority of Eberflus’ coverage-related duties at safety. Expect Owens to be utilized in three-safety rotations when the Bears defense gets lighter and faster near the line of scrimmage. The Bears have a clear-cut plan to place Owens in successful positions.