Packers DB Jonathan Owens eyes starting role in Green Bay with chip on his shoulder

Undrafted, injured and cut — former Missouri Western star defensive back Jonathan Owens has been through the wringer since entering the professional ranks in 2018.

Owens contemplated hanging his cleats up after tearing his ACL and missing his rookie season and subsequently getting cut by the Arizona Cardinals during the following training camp. Since, he has worked his way back into the league with the Houston Texans, turned into a full-time starter in 2022 and is set to make a splash in the Green Bay Packers’ secondary after signing a one-year deal for the 2023-24 NFL season.

“He’s very eager. He obviously has some skill,” Packers secondary coach Ryan Downard of Owens, via the team’s website. “He’s had a long journey, but he’s a good football mind who’s been in the league for some years and his best attribute, at least off of tape and in the past, was his ability to tackle. That was (where) I had him graded out the highest.”

Last season, the fifth-year safety compiled 125 tackles and 84 solo tackles — both ranked No. 2 on the Texans last season — a sack, a QB hit and four passes defensed. He spent his first four seasons in Houston, where he logged 31 total game appearances with 19 starts, recording 141 tackles (92 solo), an interception, five passes defensed.

Now, he’s ready to prove his worth on a brighter stage. Owens won’t let his past get in the way of making the most of his season with the Packers.

“I’m undrafted, man. I take that with me everywhere I go,” Owens said. “If anyone in the NFL knows, when you say you’re undrafted, it’s always a respect thing. I went to a Division II school right out of high school. I always carried a chip on my shoulder.”

According to ESPN’s depth chart projections, the Packers are expected to slot Owens into the strong safety position while Darnell Savage remains the primary free safety. The secondary group also includes two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander, Keisean Nixon, Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes.

Still, wins and losses may be few and far between for the Packers. The 2023 season is a trial run for Green Bay following the departure of longtime quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Third-year QB Jordan Love is set to take over as the starter, but lacks the experience for experts to project a playoff run in his first season under center.