No roster projection is likely to be perfectly correct, of course. But when it comes to the Indianapolis Colts, ESPN's Stephen Holder knows his stuff. He's watched the team in practice and talked to coaches and players, and when he writes something about the team, one can assume it is fact.
This is why former Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas should be a bit concerned. Either that, or be extra motivated to have his best training camp ever. In Holder's recent roster guess as to who will make Indy's 53-man roster this season, Thomas isn't on the list.
The problem for the veteran is that Indianapolis might only keep four safeties. The starters will likely be Cam Bynum and rookie A.J. Haulcy. Hunter Wohlers, who missed his rookie season in 2025 with a Lisfranc injury, probably has the advantage as the safety to get the most reps of the backups, and the fourth spot could come down to Thomas and another free agent acquisition, Jonathan Owens.
Former Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas might not last long with the Indianapolis Colts
Wohlers, though he has yet to play a down in the NFL, was extremely impressive in training camp last year. While he didn't get game experience, he did learn defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's system, so he should at least be mentally prepared to make an impact in 2026 camp.
In Thomas's time with the Cowboys, which was from 2023 through 2025, he started a total of four games, though his quarterback rating allowed was an atrocious 125.2. 16 of his 24 targets were completed, and three went for touchdowns. He also whiffed on 13.9 percent of his tackle attempts.
Perhaps more worrisome, Thomas saw his 2025 season end early due to migraines. The severe headaches caused his vision to become blurred, and the Cowboys ruled him out for the second half of the season. Hopefully, for the human being as much as the player, the issue has somehow been corrected, but for the Colts, they might never know when the migraines could begin again.
Juanyeh Thomas will need to show he isn't dealing with vision issues in training camp, provide excellent coverage in non-starter reps, and prove he can be a positive force on special teams. The latter is likely the most important aspect.
As a backup safety, Thomas will have to play an impactful role in the third phase of the game. That is where he could lose ground to Jonathan Owens, who, while not being great on defense in his career, has been a standout on special teams for his previous team, the Chicago Bears. That alone could earn him the roster spot over Thomas.
Both players have also gotten reps in the slot. The hope that Owens or Thomas might be kept on the roster as an extra cornerback seems unlikely, however. The Indianapolis Colts have a deep and talented CB group and probably won't need Owens or Thomas to be an extra corner.
As far as cap space, neither Thomas nor Owens was an expensive free agent signing. Each signed for just one year. Owens' deal pays him $1,402,000, but just $187,000 is guaranteed. Thomas is making as much as $1,332,000, of which $437,500 is fully guaranteed. If the final safety spot does come down to Thomas and Owens, money isn't likely to be a factor.
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