Packers losing S Jonathan Owens to Bears on 2-year deal
Free agent safety Jonathan Owens is leaving the Green Bay Packers to sign a two-year deal with the rival Chicago Bears, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Owens, 28, played in all 17 games and made 11 starts for the Packers in 2023, his first and only season in Green Bay. Owens played his first four NFL seasons with the Houston Texans, including a 17-start season in 2022.
Owens produced 84 tackles, three passes defensed, one forced fumble and one defensive touchdown for the Packers in 2023.
Among 61 safeties with at least 600 snaps played in 2023, Owens’ overall grade ranked 50th. Including the postseason, Owens played 927 snaps on defense.
The Packers let both Owens and Darnell Savage depart in free agency, but general manager Brian Gutekunst will sign Xavier McKinney, the top free agent safety available.
In Chicago, Owens will team with free agent addition Kevin Byard and 2022 second-round pick Jaquan Brisker at safety.
Owens is the second former Packer to stay in the NFC North on Tuesday. Running back Aaron Jones is signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
