The Chicago Bears have a handful of star free agents that fans and pundits will be focused on over the next few weeks of the offseason. However, what is going overlooked are potential bargain players that Chicago will be facing competition to sign.
Safety Jonathan Owens fits this description, given that Spotrac is projecting a deal worth only $1.2 million. Teams looking for secondary depth and a consistent special teams contributor won't hesitate to meet this number or perhaps go beyond it in an effort to steal Owens from Chicago.
One of the consistent storylines of each offseason is every team attempting to find overlooked or underpaid depth pieces. Owens unquestionably qualifies as such, with the safety giving incredible effort on special teams and offering energy on the sideline. While there is very little starting experience at safety, the defender registered 61 tackles and a sack during the 2023 season while with the Green Bay Packers.
There is the capability there to contribute defensively if forced into action, while still providing proven value on special teams. All of this is to explain why the Bears will have to pay closer attention to the market of Owens and likely fight to retain the proven depth. Beating contract offers in dollars might not be the best option, but offering more than a one-year deal is a viable strategy to retain the defender.
Bears to Face Offseason Competition to Keep Safety Jonathan Owens
Chicago could offer a deal worth $1.2 million for multiple years while avoiding guarantees. This gives Owens a bit more security without forcing the Bears to reach out of their comfort zone with his salary. According to Over The Cap, the Bears are currently dealing with negative cap space at -$5.3 million, exposing just how little room there is to pay key pieces, much less overpay key depth. Chicago must hope that an additional year or two, non-guaranteed, will be more attractive than what other teams offer.
There will be competition based on the energy and flexibility of having Owens rostered. What remains to be seen is whether the Bears prioritize this and are willing to do what it takes to hold off the competition. It is worth noting here as well that both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are set to hit free agency, leaving Chicago in a quandary at safety.
Whether this hurts or helps Owens chances as the Bears scramble to fill out the depth chart at the position remains to be seen. What isn't in question is the fact that the underrated free agent will have no problem finding a landing spot if the Bears opt not to prioritize the re-signing.