March 13, 2026, 5:44 p.m. ET

The Indianapolis Colts have added some much-needed help to the safety positions, signing Cowboys’ free agent Juanyeh Thomas.

Here are three things to know about the Colts‘ newest addition.

Taking a swing on upside

Thomas, who went undrafted in 2022, is still just 25 years old. He’s played just 549 career snaps, but seemed to be on his way to a more prominent role in 2025 before his season ended due to injury.

Over 156 coverage snaps, Thomas was targeted only three times and held opponents to a modes 9.0 yards per catch. He’s also generated four career pass breakups on only 21 targets. Thomas has experience both playing deep and down in the box.

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The Colts will hope to tap into the untapped potential that Thomas appears to possess.

What will Juanyeh Thomas’ role be with the Colts?

That’s the big question here. The starting spot next to Cam Bynum is open, but whether or not Thomas can earn that playing time remains to be seen. Given the current construction of this position group, it would appear, as of now, that he’ll have the opportunity to earn some snaps.

Where Thomas has made his greatest impact in the NFL is on special teams, where he’s played 724 snaps over three seasons. With Rodney Thomas in Seattle, Thomas can help fill his role on special teams for the Colts.

Specifically, a box safety presence is what the Colts want to pair with Bynum, although versatility is coveted in Lou Anarumo’s defense. While Thomas has experience playing closer to the line of scrimmage, most of his snaps have come lined up deep.

So to answer the question above — we have to wait and see. He’ll help on special teams, but what, if any, role he can carve out on defense is unknown as of now.

The safety position still has its question marks

Again, Thomas appears to have untapped potential but is inexperienced. Jonathan Owens, whom the Colts also signed, will be entering his eighth NFL season, but has mostly been a special teams player over his career, especially during the last two seasons.

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