The Indianapolis Colts can lean on a couple of defensive backs to help lead their special teams units.
The Indianapolis Colts are looking for new players to step up as special teams aces in 2026, and they may have found their answer in two defensive backs.
The Colts had a rock-solid special teams core last season, ranking highly in several categories, including total kick return yards (7th), kick return yards allowed (12th), and punt return yards allowed (3rd). Much of that could change in 2026, however, with several key departures from the unit.
Segun Olubi (359 snaps), Rodney Thomas II (275 snaps), and Buddy Johnson (201 snaps) all ranked within the top 10 in total special teams snaps played last season and are no longer on the team. Former All-Pro Ashton Dulin (195 snaps) is also expected to come off his special teams role for more of a focus on offense this upcoming season.
With so many departures in the room, the Colts have been trying out a number of players in different roles this offseason to try to find the right fits. While they are still working through the motions, two players in particular appear to have endeared themselves to special teams coordinator Brian Mason.
Brian Mason Offers Standouts
When asked about potential contributors on special teams this offseason, Mason highlighted veteran safety Jonathan Owens as a key option as the personal protector on punt team (the up man that calls out the punt protection at the line).
“Jonathan Owens has quality experience, and he's a really good addition for us,” Mason said. “Being that he's a nine-year vet that's played a lot of special teams, played defense, he's kind of a vocal leader. He's kind of the guy that's been running the most with the ones right now.”
Owens, 31, was a core special teamer for the Chicago Bears last season, accumulating 14 tackles across 295 snaps played. He was expected to be a major contributor on special teams for the Colts when he signed this offseason, but it’s still notable to see just how much trust Mason has in the veteran defender.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Johnathan Edwards (35) runs during the team’s minicamp Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous/IndyStarJohnathan Edwards Finding A New Way to Excel
While Owens’ shine as a special teamer isn’t surprising, Mason’s praise for Johnathan Edwards certainly is interesting. Edwards was used sparingly on special teams last year, only playing 69 snaps in total. Part of this is due to his increased role on defense, but he was also a healthy scratch on multiple occasions due to his lack of special teams prowess.
Something clearly clicked this offseason for the young corner, as Mason brought Edwards up (unprompted) when discussing the vacancies at the punt gunner position.
“Gunner-wise, it's pretty open-ended. We're trying to get as many guys reps as we can,” Mason said. “I think Johnathan Edwards is really good. Obviously, Dulin, if he's playing more on offense, we’ve got to develop and find that next guy. I think there's a bunch of different candidates between the receivers and the DBs that can do it, and we're just going to get them as many reps as we move forward in preseason to see how they perform.”
The Colts are still doing their due diligence when it comes to finding their next gunners, but Edwards appears to have one of the spots locked down halfway through training camp. He certainly put in the work this offseason, and the Colts are taking notice.
The Colts still have to figure out who their key return men are going to be and which linebackers are going to take on bigger roles, but at least two players are making their presence known thus far in camp.
They may not be official roster locks at the moment, but make sure to key in on both Edwards and Owens on final 53-man roster predictions this summer.
