The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We’re looking at the 2024 season of safety Jonathan Owens.
Jonathan Owens’ 2024 Snapshot
When Jonathan Owens signed a two-year deal with the Bears last summer, I’m sure the plan wasn’t for Owens to start seven games this season. However, injuries to Jaquan Brisker and Elijah Hicks necessitated Owens stepping into a starting role for the final two months of the season.
Overall, the Bears got their money’s worth out of Owens this season. He posted a 66.5 defensive grade at PFF this season, the second-highest of his career, and was exceptional against the run, posting an 88.6 rush defense grade. With that being said, Owens was a liability in coverage, allowing opposing receivers an 85.7 percent catch rate and five touchdowns while being targeted 14 times. Owens was shredded for three scores in the second Detroit game, allowing seven or the 12 catches he surrendered in 2024.
Owens also picked up Daniel Hardy’s blocked punt and took it to the house for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.

By the Numbers
- Tackles: 49
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Fumble Recoveries: 2
- Interceptions: 1
- Passes Defended: 2
Contract Status
Jonathan Owens signed a two-year, $3.8 million contract with the Chicago Bears last offseason. Owens is scheduled to make $1.905 million in 2025 through a $1.36 million base salary and $565K in bonuses. If the Bears decided to move on from Owens, they would incur $125K in dead money and a cap savings of $1.78 million.
One Big Question for 2025
Will the Bears bring Jonathan Owens back in 2025?
In the NFL, depth is everything, and Jonathan Owens provided the Bears with the depth they needed to weather their injuries in the defensive backfield in 2024. At the price point of $1.9 million, I find it hard to imagine the Bears finding a better depth piece than Owens for the price. I would expect to see Owens back in Chicago next season.