3 observations from Colts’ signing veteran S Jonathan Owens

The Indianapolis Colts have added some much-needed help at the safety positions, signing Cowboys free agent Jonathan Owens.

Here are three things to know about the Colts’ recent addition at safety.

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What will Jonathan Owens’ role be with the Colts?

Just like with Juanyeh Thomas, this is the big question of the moment. What we know now is that Owens should provide a boost on special teams. During his career, he played over 1,000 snaps and contributed in five of six different phases.

However, defensively, the role Owens will play remains to be seen. Given the lack of experience on the depth chart outside of Cam Bynum, Owens should have the opportunity to compete for snaps, and as a veteran with 35 career starts, that could give him an advantage in any competition.

It’s worth noting that most of Owens’ snaps were taken safely, according to PFF. Ideally, pairing a box presence with Bynum could be what the Colts are looking for, although versatility is coveted in Lou Anarumo’s defense.

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The security position still has its question marks

The depth and overall competition has improved here. Owens will enter his eighth season in the NFL and has made 35 career starts. He brings necessary experience. Thomas, meanwhile, is still only 25 years old and has potential that the Colts will try to unlock.

Can either player start next to Bynum? Maybe. Or maybe not. But Chris Ballard shouldn’t bank on the emergence of one of these players, or Hunter Wohler. He should continue to add competition to help raise the floor of this unit.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL Free Agency: 3 Things to Know About Colts’ New Jonathan Owens