Juan Thornhill, a seasoned NFL safety, has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract. This agreement follows his release from the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason. Thornhill brings with him significant experience and a track record that includes 8 interceptions, 24 passes defended, and 337 tackles over six NFL seasons.
Thornhill's journey in the NFL began when he was drafted as a second-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. During his time with the Chiefs, Thornhill started in 52 games, contributing notably to the team's defensive lineup. His tenure with Kansas City laid a strong foundation for his career, showcasing his defensive skills and on-field awareness.
In 2023, Thornhill transitioned to the Cleveland Browns on a three-year, $21 million deal. Despite the promising start, his stint with the Browns was marred by injury struggles. Over two seasons, he played in only 11 games each year, managing to record 103 tackles and four pass breakups. His playing time was further limited in the 2024 season when he participated in just 57% of the team's defensive snaps, marking a career-low for the safety.
The Browns' decision to release Thornhill opened the door for the Steelers to bring him into their fold. In signing this one-year agreement, Pittsburgh aims to bolster its secondary with Thornhill's experience and defensive acumen. While his recent seasons have been challenging, Thornhill's history of performance with both the Chiefs and Browns presents an optimistic outlook for his role in the Steelers' defense.
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