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Browns Make Decision on Former Chiefs Defensive Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 10:14 AM ET

The first day of the new league year in the National Football League doesn't begin until March 12, but the Cleveland Browns are already making moves.

Just a year after a surprise playoff appearance following an injury to quarterback Deshaun Watson, the Browns suffered a brutal 2024 campaign. Watson once again suffered an injury, rupturing his Achilles that not only ended his season, but also threatens his NFL career after re-tearing it during recovery.

With the Browns on the hook for his $72 million cap hit this season, the team is already getting creative in how it opens up cap space.

Earlier Monday morning the team decided it was time to move on from former Kansas City Chiefs standout defensive back Juan Thornhill.

"The #Browns are releasing veteran S Juan Thornhill, sources say. The team and Thornhill’s camp spoke in recent days and the decision was made to part ways now, giving Thornhill a few weeks before free agency to find his next home. Thornhill had one year at $7m left on his deal," NFL insider Mike Garafolo said.

The #Browns are releasing veteran S Juan Thornhill, sources say. The team and Thornhill’s camp spoke in recent days and the decision was made to part ways now, giving Thornhill a few weeks before free agency to find his next home.

Thornhill had one year at $7m left on his deal. pic.twitter.com/CcNQpn5jc2
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 24, 2025

After signing a three-year, $21 million deal with the Browns before the 2023 season, Thornhill won the starting safety job but battled numerous injuries throughout his two seasons in Cleveland. Thornhill had 103 tackles and four passes defensed in 22 games for the Browns.

Thornhill started his career with the Chiefs, who selected him late in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. While being listed as a backup, the former Virginia product went on to start in the team's season-opener and all 16 games while amassing 58 combined tackles (42 solo), five pass deflections, three interceptions, and one touchdown in his rookie campaign.

Thornhill won two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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