New Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens moved quickly to ingratiate himself to his new fanbase, dropping a two-emoji post to celebrate the news he had agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million contract in free agency.
Jonathan Owens Sends Message to Packers After Joining Bear
The message? Bear down, the rallying cry of Bears fans. But Owens, who spent just one season with the Green Bay Packers, also shared sentiments of gratitude toward his former team and city.
“Appreciate it @packers for the opportunity,” Owens said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on March 2. “And Packer nation for welcoming me and my wife with open arms, will never forget my time in GB.”
— Jonathan Owens (@jjowens_3) March 12, 2024
Owens has started 28 of 34 games over the last two seasons, including the final 11 games of the regular season and both playoff games with the Packers in 2023. He logged 76 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, one forced fumble, and one recovery, and scored a touchdown in those 11 games.
He brings versatility to a backfield that navigated injuries to every key player last season.
Jonathan Owens’ Role on Bears
Eddie Jackson (12 games in 2023) was cut. But the Bears replaced him with former Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard, another versatile safety who has been exceptionally durable in his career.
Jaquan Brisker mans the other safety spot and assumed the mantle of the greatest injury risk with Jackson gone.
Brisker has not missed much time; just two games in each of the last two seasons.
However, the Bears would do well to keep a capable backup on hand alongside incumbent reserved Elijah Hicks, who started six games last season. Adrian Colbert, Tarvarius Moore, and Quindell Johnson are all on the roster. But they figure to be special teamers if the Bears can help it.
🐻⬇️
— Kevin Byard (@KevinByard) March 10, 2024
Bears Still Have Cap Space, Options in Free Agency & Draft
The Bears sit at $58.7 million in cap space. The initial wave of free agency has stripped the market of much of its top talent. But viable options remain available.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley and edge rusher DJ Wonnum could both be targets. Wonnum, 26, tied his career high with 8.0 sacks for the Minnesota Vikings. He is slated to visit the Bears this week. Ridley, 29, bounced back from a suspension-shortened season to record his second 1,000-yard campaign in the last three seasons.
The Bears have just five draft picks and none after the fourth round. But that could change with General Manager Ryan Poles’ tendency to trade down.
There is also still a chance they trade Justin Fields or the No. 1 overall pick this offseason.
Either would add to the Bears’ draft capital, which was further depleted with the trade for offensive lineman Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills.